James Brenton Swann, 76 of Delta, Alabama, passed away on December 5, 2023, at East Alabama Medical Center, surrounded by family and friends after a lengthy hospital stay. He was born on February 23, 1947, in Anniston, Alabama, to the late James Wesley Swann and Mary Bernice Phillips Swann. In addition to his beloved mother, he is proceeded in death by his youngest son, Hugh Tyler Swann. Brenny, as he was lovingly known, is survived by his devoted and loving wife of 56 years, Linda Kay Clark Swann; children: Craig Swann of Southfield, Michigan and Melissa Swann-Belflower (Russ) of Opelika, Alabama; grandchildren: Zachary Swann, Hailey Swann and Meadow Belflower; daughter-in-law, Nicole Swann; brothers and sisters-in-law: Faye Nolen (Bob), Jimmy Clark (Mollie), Hugh Clark (Tracy Kilgore), Terry Clark (Dave Karger), and Debbie Clark; nieces and nephews: Shannon Ward, Susan Johnson (Shane) and Rob Nolen; Special friends: Terry Denniston, Bill Johnson, Pam Greene (Bobby) and the late Hoyt Brown (Peggy); numerous other extended family members and special friends.
Brenny was a graduate of Bradley Central High School, Class of 1965, in Cleveland, Tennessee. He was a cowboy at heart and enjoyed riding his horse throughout Bowman Hills and Hardwick Farms with his good friend Harris Stuart . He later enjoyed attending horse shows and rodeos with his best friend, Hoyt Brown and their spouses. He enjoyed their time at the barn tending to their horses and working on the farm. He also possessed a unique talent and skill to repair most anything, especially mechanically related, a skill he later passed on to his younger son, Tyler.
After graduation, he worked at Hall Chevrolet and later at Ledford Auto Parts before relocating to Bynum, Alabama where he became employed at Anniston Army Depot in 1972. He began his career working and rebuilding transmissions on army tanks but after many years of hard work and dedication, he relocated his family in 1984 to Utica, Michigan, where he was promoted and worked for TACOM (US Army Tank Automotive & Armaments Command). He earned a reputation for his commitment to excellence in outstanding quality and safety for our country’s soldiers while in combat. Upon his retirement, he continued his work and dedication as a Defense Contractor while working for Jacobs in Shelby Township, Michigan. He ranked as a GS-14 and was honored to earn his rank for top secret clearance to classified national security information. His tenure with the Department of Defense included many stint of travel to military bases both domestically and internationally, such as Germany, Denmark and Qatar.
Brenny was a devoted and loving husband, dependable father, supportive Papaw and a steadfast and loyal friend, all of whom will miss him dearly.
He was an organ donor and will have his body donated to help save the lives of others.
A memorial and celebration of life service will be held Saturday, December 9 at 11:00 CST, at Center West Baptist Church, 86 County Road 313, Delta, Alabama.
