Bill Swad Sr.

The Gates of Heaven opened wide on February 9th, 2014 as Bill Swad, Sr. passed through to be with his closest friend, Jesus. And God said, “Well done, my good and faithful servant.” “He who winneth souls is wise. ”Throughout his 83 years on earth he accomplished so much. First and foremost, he was a soul winner. As an auto dealer since April 8, 1957, you could not purchase a vehicle without him telling you about our Lord and Savior. He witnessed to everyone, waitresses, store clerks, presidents of companies, bankers, governors, lawyers, judges, restaurant owners and the kids on the street. Bill was founder and president of 5 auto dealerships: American Motors, Chrysler-Plymouth, Datsun, Winnebago and Chevrolet. He owned Omega Life Insurance Company and Hamilton Acceptance Corporation. He was Founder and Senior Pastor of Christian Center Church, in Gahanna, Ohio, for 49 years. The reason he started his auto dealerships was to support his church. His annual salary at Christian Center was one dollar. Bill, at one time, was Chairman of the Executive Committee of Oral Roberts University from which he received an Honorary Doctorate Degree. Bill was extremely active in the Full Gospel Businessmen’s Association (FGBMA), working to establish numerous chapters throughout Ohio. He also did motivational speaking and preaching all over the world as he was continually on fire for the Lord. After selling his auto dealerships, Bill became involved in his residential community where he avidly served as President of the Colts Neck Homeowners Association. He was dedicated to keep everything beautiful as he worked with the Board to accomplish their goals. And while doing this he grew close to many of his Board Members who worked so diligently. All who had the privilege of knowing Bill Swad knew that he had a burden for anyone who had a problem. If you were having a problem and you came to him, he was always there to help and encourage in any way possible. Bill was born in Martins Ferry, Ohio on Friday, June 13th, 1930. He was the son of Albert and Lela Davis Swad. He had 5 siblings, all deceased: Albert Jr., Charles, Ernest Eugene, Kenneth and Betty (Heid). Bill is survived by his loving wife, Sally, of 37 ½ years, two sons, Bill Swad, Jr., (Barbara), Kevin Swad, (Annette) and three daughters, Kathy, (Jim) Cummings, Sue (Jeff) Lucas, and Laurie Archer Locke, and adored pets, Maggie & Mollie; 13 Grandchildren, Noah (Meghan), Lee (Lindsey), Amy (Joey), Chad, James, Tara, Jeffrey (Sarah), Kate, Stephanie, Zack, Basil, Jacob and Madison; 7 Great Grandchildren, Audrey, Gavin, Avery, Whitney, Dylan, Chloe and Jackson.

Bill was a wonderful role model for all of his family and friends. He was our love - our strength and he shall be greatly missed. But we shall stand strong as he would want us to do, as we know he is with the Lord and we shall meet again someday. II Timothy 4:7, “I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith”. ‘A Going Home Celebration’ will be at Christian Center Church, 298 S. Rocky Fork Dr., Gahanna, Ohio at 11 a.m., Monday, February 17th. Pastor Bill Young and Bill Swad, Jr. will be officiating. Visiting hours will be Sunday, February 16th, 5-8 p.m. at Christian Center Church. In lieu of flowers you may send donations to: Christian Center, 298 S. Rocky Fork Drive, Gahanna, Ohio 43230. Arrangements have been entrusted to SCHOEDINEGR NORTHEAST CHAPEL 1051 E Johnstown Rd. Visit www.schoedinger.com to share a favorite memory or send a condolence.