Thomas James "TJ" Swafford
August 14, 1950 ~ August 10, 2021
Born in:
Franklin, NC
Resided in:
Candler, NC
Thomas James “TJ” Swafford, 70, of Candler, passed away Tuesday, August 10, 2021.
A native of Franklin, NC, TJ was a son of the late John H. Swafford and Edna Shepherd Griffin. He was also preceded in death by his son, Keith Aaron Swafford, and sisters, Gloria Jean, Margie Faye, and Betty Sue.
TJ was a retired firefighter and captain with the Asheville Fire Department, with 33 years of service. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army.
Surviving are his wife of 50 years, Emma Hall Swafford; son, Travis Swafford (Esther); daughter, Nikki Swafford; grandchildren, Maya and Zoё; and siblings, Jerry Swafford (Libby), Ralph Swafford (Toot), Curtis Swafford, David Swafford (Connie), Patricia Smith (Gary), John Swafford, Jr., Ronnie Swafford (Kate) and Donnie Swafford (Kelly).
The family will receive friends from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. on Friday, August 13, at Groce Funeral Home on Patton Avenue.
Graveside services will follow at 3:30 p.m. at White Rock Baptist Church, with Pastor Allen Rash officiating. Honors will be provided by the Asheville Fire Department Honor Guard.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Asheville Firefighters Association Foundation, 9 SW Pack Square, Suite 203, Asheville, NC 28801.
Services
Visitation: August 13, 2021 1:00 pm - May 14, 2025 3:00 pm
Groce Funeral Home - Patton Ave.
1401 Patton Ave.
Asheville, NC 28806
(828)252-3535
http://www.grocefuneralhome.com
Graveside Service: August 13, 2021 3:30 pm
White Rock Baptist Church
Pisgah Highway, NC 151
Candler, NC 28715
828-252-3535
View current weather.
Memories Timeline
Guestbook
Sign the Guestbook, Light a Candle
Piney Mountain has lost a most superior neighbor, who offered his help so generously when the storms did their damage. We will miss you.
Tommy will be missed by all the neighbors. Especially walking his little dog, Emily.
He and Emma Sue were quiet neighbors, but were there in the time of need. RIP Tommy. Ed and Barbara Paquette
Ive been their insurance agent for 20+ years…What a cut up ! !!He come to pay, ask a question , make a change and we would talk for an HOUR!!! I loved his stories about Miss Emma, Nikki, Travis and Esther and the many stories and latest pics of Zoe and Maya-HE WAS A VERY PROUD GRANDPA!!!! He loved you each so much!!!! I’m Heartbroken-TJ was such a dear sweet man. I will miss him. Please accept our most sincere condolences and prayers for you all. Sincerely, Suzanne Ingle on behalf of all of us at The Rona Church Ins Agency
Emma,
Prayers of peace to you and the family. I will miss running into TJ around town – he always made me smile.
-Rachel (DayStay)
Sorry for your loss
Dear Emma Sue and family, I am so very sorry for your loss❣️ Please know that I care about your pain and am praying for you💐🙏🏻💐Love, Deborah (Greene) Berry
What a precious man! I’m so blessed to have gotten to know and love him and Emma through my restaurants. They were my favorite guests! Loved his laugh and his slunk and every time I make a sausage croissant I’ll think of him! Much love and deepest sympathy ! Emma he just adored you and his family! What a blessing it was to know him!
Aunt Emma, Travis, and Nikki
I don’t have words to ease your pain. Uncle Tommy was the life of the party and always trying to get everyone to smile. I will miss him.
Emma our prayers are with you God bless
Nikki;
Praying for you and your family for comfort during this time from our Lord.