Elvis was born on January 8, 1926, on a farm in the Watson Community near where Six Flags Arlington is today. He was the fourth child of Joseph and Mary Reddy Swaim. He attended school at Grace Chapel, leaving after his junior year to work at the “Foundry” while awaiting the draft. Elvis served in the 101st Airborne and was at Bastogne, Belgium. He appreciated Patton’s crossing the Rhine.
After his military service, he returned to Arlington and worked mostly in steel manufacturing companies, including Southern Industrial Steel and Hudson Corporation. In 1988, he retired from Wheelabrator-Hudson.
While working at Hudson, Elvis began playing golf and became an avid golfer throughout his retirement. He played in two golf leagues for many years. However, his most enjoyable rounds were with his wife, Betty, his sons, son-in-law, and his grandsons.
Elvis also enjoyed woodworking. He built bookcases, hutches, and many other items for family members and friends.
Elvis was preceded in death by his parents; siblings: Juanita Powers, Lorene Krueger, Eugene Swaim, infant Swaim, LeRoy Swaim, Billie Ruth Gillis, and Betty Jo McPike; and grandson, Jason Butler.
He is survived by his wife, Betty Swaim; children: Donald Swaim (Bobbie), Teresa Gibson (Glen), and John Swaim (Christine); grandchildren: Brian Butler, Daniel Swaim, Katie Swaim, Ryan Swaim, Abigail Swaim, Hannah Swaim, and Ethan Swaim; and great-grandchildren: Blake Butler and Kylie Lynn.
