William John Swain Jr

William (Billy) John Swain, Jr., a native of New Orleans, Louisiana, was born June 27, 1934 and passed away March 15, 2020. He is preceded in death by his parents William John Swain, Sr. & Audre Vassar Swain and his brother Donald Swain.

Billy is survived by his loving wife (of 61 years) Rachelle Vicknair Swain and their three children: Tyra Stoddard & her 2 sons; Bradley Chase Stoddard (his wife Margaret & their 3 sons: Nolan, Cole & Luke) and Nathan Oertli; Terrell John Swain (his fiance’ Gina); and Tanya Swain O’Donovan (her husband Dr. Richard O’Donovan & their 3 children: Tiernan, Cian & Aoife).

Billy grew up on Little Farms Avenue, in River Ridge, LA, at a time when he could walk two miles to Lake Pontchartrain across cotton fields. He attended Kenner High School and Southeastern University, where he lettered in both football and baseball. His football team at Southeastern was undefeated in 1954, winning the Gulf State Championship, scoring 379 points and conceding only 43 points all season. Following graduation, Billy served in the US Army as Military Police and was stationed overseas in Germany. Upon returning from Germany, he accepted a teacher/football coach position at Hammond High School. After leaving this profession, Billy worked the majority of his career in sales of building materials (35 years). He semi retired and worked at Belle Chasse Naval Air Station for 15 years. He became an accomplished golfer and this was his sport for many decades. Billy had a passion for all sports (especially LSU) that continued up to the last days of his life. He was also involved closely with his grandchildren’s accomplishments in both sports and academics, attending all events possible where his grandchildren participated. Billy had a great sense of humor, as was well known to his family and golfing friends, which he retained in the last days of his life, as well as his love for chocolate ice cream.

Memorial Services will be held at Greenwood Funeral Home, 5200 Canal Blvd., on Saturday July 18th, beginning at 10:30am, with a graveside service immediately following.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests you consider making a donation to The American Parkinson’s Disease Association: Hope in Progress.
 

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