David confessed his life to Christ at a very early age, often singing and preaching, giving him the nickname of "Preacher". His love for sports started in his youth, earning him as one of the greatest basketball stars to ever grace Drew High School and the Drew County community. His love for sports continued, often sharing highlights every morning talking to his baby brother, Roy (Peter-Bo). David was a graduate of the class of 1959. He entered AM&N College for two years studying Elementary Education. In his quest to greatness, he moved to Detroit, Michigan in search for a kingdom of his own. He was hired at Chrysler Corporation (Export/Import plant) David was a Technical Programmer in the paint shop and served as a supervisor for seven years. In 1980, he transferred to Jefferson North Assembly as the #1 Programmer in the paint shop, he was a hard worker and received many perfect attendance awards of excellent services throughout his career. David retired after working 33 1/2years on September 26, 1998. He was a devoted Christian serving as a trustee and steward at Mount Pleasant A.M.E. Church. He brought laughter to all he'd come in contact with. In the year 1995, David met a young maiden whom he desired to make his Queen. They met July 4 (and it's been fireworks ever since) Marrying on August 17, 1996, David wanted his Queen to share a life of calmness and serenity so he returned back to the roots declaring to share his remaining years with his family and his two sisters. Moving back and settling back in Monticello, he began to work for the Monticello School District as their Campus mail carrier. After 14 years of service, he retired from the district vowing NEVER to work hard again. David enjoyed his retirement by doing daily visits with his sisters, his nieces, Arlicia and Linda, sharing a daily cup of coffee or meal with his City Drug girls, Sabrina, Pam, and Nicole. He loved to visit and chat with his family and he would always check on Curtis and Bonnie, often getting him a nap during the visit. The highlight of his day was meeting up with his Big Jax buddies, shooting the breeze and cracking jokes, always making them laugh. David was a straight shooter and never compromised who he was for anyone!! You didn't have to wonder what type of person he was from day to day because he lived a life that spoke to others as well as for him. He was an honorable Gift from God as a husband, showing everyone how a real man should love and honor his Queen. David was a faithful and honest loving man and endowed everything a King should be. David had a voice fit for a heavenly choir and his favorite chuch song was, "I've learned how to live Holy". David loved listening to his favorite Blues artist, Bobby Rush and was fortunate to see him in concert last year singing his favorite song, "I aint studdin ya", which he would often tell to anyone in laughter.
He was preceded in death by his parents, David and Lillian Swift. Three brothers, Hubert Hedwood, Richard (Beatrice) Swift and James Swift, one grandson, Jerrick Young. He leaves to mourn his devoted wife and best friend, Anita. David was the proud father of 13 children. Deborah (Lloyd) Bolden of Mempis, TN, Carey McNeary of Fresno, CA, Sherry (Keith) Jefferson, Monticello, AR, Andre (Anna) Swift of Detroit, MI, Virgil Gambrell of Oakland, CA, Kimberly Gambrell, Tracey Berry, Donald Gambrell, and Gary Swift, all of Detroit, MI, Vanessa (Ryan) Franklin, Kenneth (Shamon) McFadden Jr, Kendyria McFadden, and Chyanne Craft, all of Monticello, AR. He leaves to cherish his memories, two sisters, Mary (Shelvis) Thompson and Bernice Brooks. His baby and only brother and right hand man, Roy Chester (Gwendolyn) Swift. His in-laws, Aaron, David Jr (Helen), Roy (Charmaine) Garner, Reginald (Linda) Marvin Sr, Keith Sr, and Kevin Sr (Tatanesha) Collins, Cheryl (Scott) Rainwater Kearney, Doris (Wesley) Breaux, Linda, and Carolyn Collins. David declared he always had 32 grandchildren, a host of the strongest, hardworking nephews, the prettiest nieces in the world, a host of great grandchildren and so many much loved family and friends. Rest on my sweet King, you've finally made it to your Royal Palace.
David did not suffer and he fought the good fight of faith knowing that soon his time would be coming to an earthly end. On May 24, 2014, David heard the trumpet of heaven blowing, being ready to accept his final challenge to inherit his heavenly Kingdom to the prepared place given keys to his mansion and a crown designed just for a King such as he. He now graces the place where he can walk around singing in Heaven all day.
Funeral service will be at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, June 3, 2017 at Stephenson-Dearman Funeral Chapel with burial in Campground Cemetery. Visitation will be from 6:00-7:00 p.m. at the funeral home. Online guestbook www.stephensondearman.com.
Condolences(21)
Betty
, TX Monday, June 19, 2017 My sincere condolences to the family for your loss. May the promises in God’s word provide you with comfort and strength during this most difficult time. John 5:28-29Tommy Shaw
, CA Tuesday, June 6, 2017 Rest in peace my friendBOb/Wanda Lewis
Spring Valley, CA Saturday, June 3, 2017 Our thoughts and prayers are with you ,David will be greatly missed by all of us that have known him over the years,he was truly a man of God, a great singer,with a wonderful. sense of humor.We all Loved him but God Loved him more therefore he called him from labor to reward .where there will be no more pain or sickness.Absence of the body is to be in the presence of the Lord.Earth has no sorrows Heaven cannot heal. We Love you all. Bob and Wanda LewisWilliam Briggs (WJ)
Dermott, AR Saturday, June 3, 2017 I will really miss DS we were good buddies the 2 yearswe attended high school together.
John & Verna Sims
Selma, AR Friday, June 2, 2017 We will miss chatting and laughing with DS, our classmate and friend.The class of 1959
Birdie Walton Henson
Little Rock, AR Thursday, June 1, 2017 May God bless and keep you, this is my prayer. You have our deepest sympathy.Cindy May
Warren, AR Thursday, June 1, 2017 So sorry for your loss. Thinking of you every day. Thoughts and prayers for the coming days. Much Love to you and the family.Doris Turner
Monticello, AR Wednesday, May 31, 2017 Love you Anita just lost for words, you have my deepest sympathy everything gets better with time I know what you are going threw so with that being said may god be with you and your family.Pamela shaw
Monticello, AR Wednesday, May 31, 2017 We are praying for the family tootsie was a great customer for city drug he kept everyone laughing he will be missed by the city drug gang.Margaret Brooks Rogers
Pine Bluff, AR Wednesday, May 31, 2017 The role has been called and you answered, My dear Uncle. I have nothing but good memories of you, and the time spent together. Mere words cannot express how much You will be missed.Darrell L. Hogue
Norman, OK Tuesday, May 30, 2017 Tootsie -a great teammate and great friend. I know he's missed.Please accept my condolence.
Darrell L. Hogue
Alice A. Harris
Romulus, MI Tuesday, May 30, 2017 My deepest sympathy go out to the family of David Swift (tootsie). My cousin has gone to a heavenly place where he will be welcomed with open arms. I love you all family.TYRONE & HENRYETT MCFADDEN
DETROIT, MI Monday, May 29, 2017 GOD REST UR SOUL. SUCH A BEAUTIFUL PERSON. REST EASY BROTHER. WE LOVE U. " SET SHOT " SURE SCORE.Albert White
Kansas City, KS Sunday, May 28, 2017 My condolences are with you and your family during this time. May God continue to bless you, give you the strength and supply you with the comfort you need at this time.Denetrafoster
Monticello, AR Saturday, May 27, 2017 SO SORRY FOR YOUR LOSSENJOYED WORKING WITH DAVID
THE FAMILY ARE IN MY PRAYER'S
Leron Gragg
Kansas City, MO Friday, May 26, 2017 I'm sorry to hear of his passing. May God Bless the familyMicheal and Anita Riley
Monticello, AR Friday, May 26, 2017 Prayers for your family during your time of sorrow. May God bless and comfort each of you.J oAnnTrotter
Monticello, AR Friday, May 26, 2017 God bless the familyAnnette Gardner
Tillar, AR Friday, May 26, 2017 I am sorry for the loss of your loved one .He was a good cousin and we will miss him. Please remember He was a good man and God did not want him to suffer, so he took him into his bosom of peace and rest.Dr Sam Wherry PhD M.B.A.
LITTLE ROCK, AR Thursday, May 25, 2017 David "Tutsey "Swift from my childhood days was the entity that role modeled and inspired me to the Game of Basketball. This Giant Christian Gentlemen and Fellow was admired, admonished and agape loved by all. David Swift yes was probably from my perspective and analysis if not the best one of the best Basketball Players unrecognized in Arkansas Basketball History; in addition he was an outstanding Family Man and Provider/Churchman who did his job so well, The living, dead or unborn could not did it any better. Heaven cannot but be smiling upon his triumphant entry into Immortality to dwell everlasting with El Shaddhi The Almighty God and King Jesus Christ and the Heavenly Host. May God's Nature Jehovah Jirah provide Favor and Covering upon his most blessed spouse and children, sisters and brother during and after this period of bereavement and rest assured the Death of DS "Tutsey "Swift leads him not into a state of nothingness, but and open door that leads him into everlasting life, for he loved and worshipped God through Jesus Christ.So it Be!
DAVID "TUTSEY "SWIFT
Lori
Monticello, AR Wednesday, May 24, 2017 I'm really sorry for your loss. I hoped he'd get so much better!! He was so nice!!