Robert Cleve Swofford

Mr. Robert Cleve Swofford, age 90, of Cleveland, Georgia, passed away on Wednesday, October 9, 2024. He was born on August 17, 1934, to the late Leonard and Ida Mae Swofford. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his siblings Jack, James, Joe, Dannie, William, and Ray Swofford.

Known affectionately as “the Walnut Man,” Robert had a passion for cracking black walnuts and sharing his bounty with others. He also enjoyed tending to bees and harvesting honey, activities that brought him joy and connected him with nature. Robert loved the outdoors and he was a very successful hunter and fisherman. 

A proud veteran of the United States Navy, Robert displayed a deep commitment to family. In a remarkable act of love, he altered the spelling of his last name to serve alongside his brother on the same Navy ship. This love extended to his children and grandchildren, who cherished him as “pops” or “grandpa.”

Robert is survived by his beloved wife of 69 years, Catherine Swofford; his children, Rev. Allen (Linda) Swafford and Tony (Anna) Swofford of Cleveland, Robin (Chuck) Hamrick of Jefferson, Jeff Swafford of Cleveland, and Penny (Phillip) Neal of Hoschton. He leaves behind a legacy of love through his grandchildren: Jess (Amanda) Swafford, Russell (Misty) Swafford, Virginia (Michael) Plemmons, Sarah (Everett) Emans, Chad (Lisa) Hamrick, Kyle (Jennifer) Hamrick, Christopher (Heaven) Hamrick, Hannah Swafford, Jason (Britnay) Herndon, Dillion (Chelsea) Neal, and Carly Neal, along with eighteen great-grandchildren.

Robert is also survived by his siblings Mary Owens, Fannie Samples, Lee Swofford, and Miles Swofford, as well as several nieces, nephews, and other relatives.

Funeral services will be held at 3 PM on Sunday, October 13, 2024, at the chapel of Anderson-Underwood Funeral Home. The Rev. L.C. Bennett and the Rev. Mickey Wheeler will officiate. Interment will follow at Nimblewill Baptist Church Cemetery, with the Rev. Dawson Ricketts officiating.

The family will receive friends from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM on Saturday and from 12:00 PM until the service hour on Sunday at the funeral home. 

To share a memory or condolences with the family, visit Mr. Swofford’s online guestbook at andersonunderwood.com. 

Anderson-Underwood Funeral Home, 2068 Highway 19 North Dahlonega, GA 30533