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David Lawrence Swain Sr.

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David Lawrence Swain Sr.

Birth	:	25 Jun 1934 Columbia, Tyrrell County, North Carolina, USA
Death	:	5 Jan 2014 Craven County, North Carolina, USA
Burial	:	Timothy Swain Cemetery, Columbia, Tyrrell County, USA
Description	:	David Lawrence Swain Sr., 79 years old, of Ernul, N.C., was tapped on the shoulder by his Master on Sunday, January 5, 2014. On that date he was called to become a member of the Heavenly Choir after many years of preparation as an acappella song leader at numerous Primitive Baptist Churches. Born in Columbia, N.C., his family moved to Aurora, where he was known as Lawrence by his family and friends during his early years. He attended Aurora Public Schools for eleven years and completed his high school education at New Bern High School, graduating with the class... Read More	David Lawrence Swain Sr., 79 years old, of Ernul, N.C., was tapped on the shoulder by his Master on Sunday, January 5, 2014. On that date he was called to become a member of the Heavenly Choir after many years of preparation as an acappella song leader at numerous Primitive Baptist Churches. Born in Columbia, N.C., his family moved to Aurora, where he was known as Lawrence by his family and friends during his early years. He attended Aurora Public Schools for eleven years and completed his high school education at New Bern High School, graduating with the class of 1952. Lawrence continued his lifelong learning by becoming a "jack of all trades." He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Sophie Willis Swain; three sons, David Lawrence Swain Jr., Martin Keith Swain, and Bryan Slade Swain; and stepson, Robert Lynn Powers (Phyllis). Additional survivors include two sisters, Laura Frances Matthews (Jack) and Ann Scott (Bill); brother, Guy Timothy Swain Sr. (Bobbie). Surviving grandchildren are Amy Swain Miller, Kelsi Marie Swain, and step granddaughters, Rhiannon Simpson and Jessica Cuba. Great grandchildren, Quincy Miller, Asher Miller, R.J. Purifoy, Hannah Purifoy, Azzie Simpson, Corbin Simpson, Jessica Simpson, Mason Simpson, and Sam Simpson; as well as numerous nieces and nephews. He also leaves a large host of friends and church families across Eastern North Carolina. He was preceded in death by his parents, William Carney and Cleora Smithwick Swain; two sisters, Julia Grace Spruill, and Mary Lee Mencin; and a brother, William E. "Ras" Swain; as well as a stepdaughter, Judy Powers Benny. Known by his first name after six months of active duty and a total of six years as an Army Reservist, David worked from an early age in several service industries beginning at the CCC Texaco Service Station located across from the Craven County Courthouse in New Bern. He also was manager of Pecan Grove Motel in the late 1950's. Later he owned Swain ESSO Service Station located next to the old New Bern Fire Department. During the 1950's and 1960's, service was an integral part of operating a full service station. In the middle 1960's, David and his wife Sophie opened the Ernul Shopping Center on Macedonia Church Road. That large building and the residence next door was constructed by David and his three pre-teen sons. His wife's bout with cancer caused the shopping center to be closed for several years during which David worked for Craven County Schools as an electrician. After the cancer was defeated the couple reopened the building as two separate businesses, Swain Small Engine Repair and Finger Tip Food Convenience Store. David was scoutmaster of Boy Scout Troop 193, informally called the "Country Hicks." The convenience store was a gathering place for the community and David was given the honorary title, "Mayor" of Ernul. As the honorary Mayor, he enjoyed participating in various parades around the area, including Christmas, Veterans Day, and St. Patrick's Day parades and the Fossil, Scuppernong, and Strawberry Festivals. David loved to visit friends including those living at nursing homes in Eastern North Carolina. During a time when his paternal aunt lived in the area, he began visiting the Primitive Baptist Churches in the eastern part of the state. Locations included East Lake, Leggett, Sea Level, and Bethlehem Church located near the former Swain family farm in Columbia, N.C. After his parents passed away, David continued to participate in those churches. David was appointed a trustee of the Bethlehem Primitive Baptist Church Preservation Society in Columbia, N.C. At those churches, he led the congregation in singing without the aid of instrumentation. At his home church, Macedonia Original Free Will Baptist Church in Ernul, he was a soloist and member of the choir. As you can tell, the Lord had well-prepared David Lawrence to meet his Maker and lend his voice to the eternal glory of God. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, January 11, 2014 at Pollock-Best Funeral Home Chapel in New Bern, N.C. Visitation with the family will be at 1 p.m. with service to follow at 2 p.m. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to: Macedonia Free Will Baptist Church, Macedonia Church Road, Ernul, NC 28527, Bethlehem Primitive Baptist Church Preservation Society, c/o Mrs. Gail Reynolds, Columbia, NC 27925, Crystal Coast Hospice House, PO Box 483, Morehead City, NC 28557, or to Williams Primitive Baptist Church, c/o Gloria Jean Lynbaker, 2013 Old County Home Road, Tarboro, NC 27586. Published in the Sun Journal on January 8, 2014.

frequently asked questions (FAQ):

Where is David Lawrence Swain Sr.'s memorial?
David Lawrence Swain Sr.'s memorial is located at: Timothy Swain Cemetery, Columbia, Tyrrell County, USA.
When did David Lawrence Swain Sr. death?
David Lawrence Swain Sr. death on 5 Jan 2014 in Craven County, North Carolina, USA

Family Members:

Parent

Spouse

Siblings

Julia Grace Swain Spruill

(1921 - 1947)

Flowers:

Nearby Cemetories:

1. Cabin Swamp Church of Christ
Tyrrell County, USA

2. Abraham Rhodes Cemetery
Columbia, Tyrrell County, USA

3. Albemarle Church of Christ Cemetery
Columbia, Tyrrell County, USA

4. Alligator Chapel Cemetery
Columbia, Tyrrell County, USA
Coordinate: 35.9313810, -76.1816380

5. Asa Etheridge Cemetery
Columbia, Tyrrell County, USA

6. Azalea Memorial Gardens
Columbia, Tyrrell County, USA

7. Bethlehem Primitive Baptist Church
Columbia, Tyrrell County, USA

8. Black Walnut
Columbia, Tyrrell County, USA
Coordinate: 35.9538940, -76.2752150

9. Bodwell Cemetery
Columbia, Tyrrell County, USA
Coordinate: 35.7118680, -76.1142530

10. Chapel Hill Missionary Baptist Church Cemetery
Columbia, Tyrrell County, USA

11. Charles Davenport Cemetery
Columbia, Tyrrell County, USA

12. Cohoon Family Cemetery
Columbia, Tyrrell County, USA

13. Community Cemetery
Columbia, Tyrrell County, USA

14. Cooper Cemetery
Columbia, Tyrrell County, USA

15. Cross Landing Cemetery
Columbia, Tyrrell County, USA

16. Dillon Cemetery
Columbia, Tyrrell County, USA
Coordinate: 35.9313810, -76.1816380

17. Etheridge Cemetery
Columbia, Tyrrell County, USA

18. Fort Landing Cemetery
Columbia, Tyrrell County, USA

19. Fred Rhodes Cemetery
Columbia, Tyrrell County, USA

20. Gibson Cemetery
Columbia, Tyrrell County, USA
Coordinate: 35.9538940, -76.2752150

21. Gum Neck Free Will Baptist Church Cemetery
Columbia, Tyrrell County, USA
Coordinate: 35.7118680, -76.1142530

22. Hardy T. Brickhouse Cemetery
Columbia, Tyrrell County, USA

23. Henry Cooper Cemetery
Columbia, Tyrrell County, USA

24. Ike Davenports Farm Cemetery
Columbia, Tyrrell County, USA