Franklin Monroe Swing

Franklin Monroe Swing, 88, entered into the more immediate presence of God on May 20, 2015. Funeral services will be at 11 am on Saturday at Mount Tabor United Church of Christ. The family will meet visitors at the church at 10 am prior to the service. Born March 4, 1927 to Cletus and Pauline Swing of Holly Grove, he lived his entire life in his home community on land owned by his family for generations. Franklin is survived by his wife of 62 years, Jewell Pless Swing; his daughters Dianne Miller (Barry) of Winston-Salem, and Lisa Swing of Holly Grove; his sisters Eva Rae Clark, Vivian Crouse, and Shirley Phillips; and many nieces and nephews. His beloved granddaughters are Mary Grace Miller (Patrick Turner) of Durham and Lindsey Miller of Dedham, MA. His brother Ken preceded him in death. The owner and operator of Cletus Swing Construction Company founded by his father in 1927, Franklin built homes in Davidson County in 7 decades. He was a charter member of the Home Builders Association of Davidson County, an officer on the local, state and national level, and an early leader in the effort to build solar homes. He was known for building high quality and affordable houses, many for first time homeowners who returned as his customers and friends when they chose to move to larger and more upscale homes. Franklin was a member of the original Davidson County Planning Board, and a Director of Davidson Water from 1972 until retirement, where he helped extend county water service to countless residents. He was a charter member and officer for many years of the Davis-Townsend Lions Club, and a long-time and active member of Mount Tabor United Church of Christ. Throughout his long life, Franklin was known for his warm smile, his generous spirit, and his work to make life better for the residents of Davidson County.