Victor Gale "Bill" Swann

Victor Gale "Bill" Swann, 91, of Benton, Arkansas, passed away Monday, August 31, 2015, at Saline Memorial Hospice in Bryant, with his daughter by his side. He was born July 4, 1924, in Beebe, Arkansas, to Louie B. and Natalie (Bedell) Swann. Preceding him in death were his parents; three brothers, Espy Woodrow Swann, L. B. Swann, Jr., and Thomas W. Swann; his wife of fifty-six years, Ona Swann; and his only son, Victor Wallis Swann. He is survived by his only daughter, Sarah (Swann) Fowler; three step-grandchildren, Fred (Gwen) Fowler, Scott (Judi) Fowler, and Kim (Bob) Adams; six step-great-grandchildren; six step-great-great-grandchildren; also many relatives and life-long friends. Bill attended Beebe Public Schools and graduated from high school there. He lived in Beebe, his hometown, for eighty-two years, then moved with his daughter to Benton for his last years. He was a brick mason by trade and worked with his dad and brother, Thomas, building many houses in Beebe and surrounding areas. His specialty was building fireplaces, and he took much pride in his work. He also was a locksmith for many years. Bill became a Christian at an early age, and was a member of the Nazarene Church in Beebe all his life. In 2004, he was a given a distinguished service award by the church, which stated, "For many years of faithful service to the church as a trustee, church treasurer, Sunday school superintendent, exemplary churchman and Christian gentleman." He served in the U.S. Army during World War II, and was stationed in Germany during the Battle of the Bulge. He also was a member of the National Guard in Beebe for thirty years. The family would like to extend thanks to the staff of Saline Memorial Hospice, Saline Memorial Hospital, Arkansas Heart Hospital and Alcoa Pines Rehab. Family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday at Smith - Westbrook Funeral Home, Beebe. A funeral service honoring Bill's life will be 10 a.m. Friday, September 4, 2015, at Beebe First Church of the Nazarene, 104 Campground Road, with burial in Meadowbrook Memorial Gardens. Arrangements by Smith-Westbrook Funeral Home, a certified Veterans Care provider. www.westbrookfuneralhome.com.