Burl Swafford's Obituary
Burl Swafford passed away and entered heaven on September 26, 2019 at the age of 97. He is now reunited with his beloved Ruthie. Burl was born on January 23, 1922 to William Young and Annie Snodgrass Swafford in Cloud Chief, OK. He is survived by his only child, Cathy Swafford Lacy, and her husband Billy. He adored his two grandchildren, Kelly Davis and Lance Lacy.Burl was the youngest of 10 children who grew up on the family cotton farm in Oklahoma. At the age of 18, he left to serve in WWII and was stationed on several army bases throughout the war. During that time, he met the love of his life and married Ruth Davis on December 24, 1942 while on a three day leave from the army. Their marriage was an inseparable love affair that was only interrupted when Ruthie passed away after 73 years of marriage.After the war, Burl went to work as a mail boy in the mail room of Hunt Oil Company. With only a high school education, he gradually learned from the petroleum engineers, lawyers and real estate brokers as well as H. L. Hunt himself. He eventually became the Head Land Man for Mr. Hunt, purchasing numerous properties and mineral rights on the company’s behalf. The relationships he made at Hunt Oil Companyover his 20 years there would forevershape his life and career as he ventured out to start his own real estate corporation, Swafford Investment Company.Of the personal properties Burl acquired over the years, his heart always belonged to his Seagoville farm. For several decades, the farm was a family affair that provided endless precious memories. But, Burl and Ruthie were masters at mixing their city and country lives. It was not uncommon for the two of them to spend a long Saturday at the farm and then rush home to don a tuxedo and gown for dinner and dancing.Burl epitomized the Greatest Generation. He was a man of honor and humility with a deep personal faith in his Lord and Savior. He was bold with his affection, never ceasing to express his love to his beloved Ruthie, daughter Cathy and grandchildren, Kelly and Lance. Burl was immensely generous, always in search of a way to do something for someone else. Burl’s legacy of love and generosity has left an indelible mark on the hearts of those he leaves behind.We extend the warmest and most heartfelt appreciation for Burl’s caregiver, Cindy. She has been a true angel. Cindy lovingly and tirelessly cared for him, day and night, for the past four years. There is no way to express what she has meant to our family because of her compassionate care.2 Corinthians 4:16-18 Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.At this time, funeral services for Mr. Burl Swafford are pending, please check back to the Restland website at a later date for full service information. Funeral arrangements for Burl Swafford have been faithfully entrusted to Restland Funeral Home and Cemetery, which is located at 13005 Greenville Ave., at the intersection of Restland Road, Dallas, Texas 75243, and can be reached at (972) 238-7111.
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