William Earl Swift

Quiet, loyal, loving. Bill and Barb became a couple at age of 16. After dating for over 4 years, they were married at the First Baptist Church of Grand Blanc on December 28, 1963. Bill loved being a husband to Barb, a father to his two sons, Dan and Bill II, and his daughters-in-law Susan and Martha, and grandfather to his six grandchildren, Billy III, Kayce, Samantha, Maeve, Sophia and Eamon. His sister Nancy Swift Lord was his only sibling and he was extremely close to her and her husband Dick and their child Amanda (Mandy) Lord who affectionately called Bill UB (Uncle Bill). Bill also enjoyed and loved the many “Poiriers” (Barb’s family).

Bill grew up next door to his parents’ business, Log Cabin Floral Shop. He, of course, worked there as a teenager. Barb later worked there for over 25 years and both sons delivered flowers during holidays. After graduating from Grand Blanc Community Schools and EMU, Bill was a dedicated salaried employee of General Motors. When he retired after 34 years, he was Finance Manager for GM Service Parts Operations. After retiring, he prepared taxes for H & R Block and for Mary Jo Baldwin, CPA. Bill was a member of Grand Blanc Township DDA.

After retirement, he also became very active in children’s ministries at First Baptist Church of Grand Blanc. He was the Administrator for the Olympian Word of Life Bible Club for elementary age children and Director of Vacation Bible School. He also served in many other key positions within the church as he was a lifelong member. He read his Bible every morning and prayed for his family. Each of his six grandchildren had a day that he prayed especially for them. He would text each grandchild to say he had prayed specifically for them. Each grandchild knew which day Pa was praying for them and looked forward to his text.

Both Bill and Barb loved being outdoors and enjoyed camping. Bill would find reasons to be outdoors whether it was to mow the lawn, cut wood for the fireplace or just sit in the woods and enjoy nature. He also enjoyed hunting and being with his male friends especially Andy Marshall and Ernie Johnston whom he hunted with for many years. Bill and Barb’s camping trips took them all over the U.S. but mostly to Maine where son Dan, Martha, Maeve and Eamon lived. Billy and Kayce, who lived in AL, were flown to Maine to join the family in camping. He loved to hike and climb mountains. From 1994 – 2004, he and Barb climbed with son Dan and his wife, Martha-Hallisey Swift, 21 mountains mostly in New Hampshire. They enjoyed traveling and spending time in Texas with Bill II, Susan, Samantha and Sophia. They also enjoyed running and participated in over 20 CRIM Race Events.

Bill was an avid bird watcher and kept their many bird feeders filled so they could enjoy watching them from inside their home. While home on hospice (49 days), Bill’s bed was right near the sliding door. He was entertained by the birds as they flew in and out to feed.

Bill deeply loved his wife, his sons and daughters-in-law, and especially his grandchildren who affectionately called him Pa.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents, Ernest and Elizabeth Swift; and recently (January 13, 2022) his daughter-in-law, Martha Hallisey-Swift.

Visitation will be held on Friday, February 11, 2022 from 3:00pm-7:00pm at Hill Funeral Home – 11723 S. Saginaw Street, Grand Blanc, Michigan. Funeral service will be held on Saturday, February 12, 2022 at 10:30am with visitation beginning at 10:00am at First Baptist Church - 6106 S. Saginaw Street, Grand Blanc, Michigan. Interment will follow at Evergreen Cemetery in Grand Blanc, Michigan. Those desiring may make memorial contributions to First Baptist Church in memory of Bill. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.hillfh.com for the Swift family.