John William Swiger was born June 26, 1936 in Bridgeport, W.V. He was a loving husband to Amelia Patricia Swiger for 55 years. The two were married in Fairmont, W.V., and later moved to New Orleans, La. where they raised their two sons and resided until 1994.
Mr. Swiger was an entrepreneur and business owner/operator of Carpet Gallery in Metairie, La. for 32 years. In 1994, the couple moved to Birmingham, where they joined their son, David, in the ownership of a chain of retail clothing stores. Upon retirement, they settled in Gulf Shores, and currently reside at 400 Wedgewood Dr.
John was a voracious reader and devoted dad and “Papa,” and took great interest in all activities of his six grandchildren.
He was a huge Saints fan, LSU fan, Huntingdon Hawks fan and a fixture at all Gulf Shores High School football games.
He was a member of Our Lady of the Gulf Catholic Church and a founding member of the Executive Club in New Orleans, La.
Mr. Swiger was 78 years old and passed away peacefully in his home on April 20, 2015.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert Newlon Swiger and Madge Swiger; and by his older brother, David Swiger.
He is survived by his wife and best friend, Amelia Patricia Swiger; his sister, Eliza Swiger Allen; his brother, Robert Swiger; and their children, Elizabeth Allen, Tilghman Smith and Robbie Swiger.
He was incredibly proud of his two sons, and his six grandchildren were the apples of his eye. Sarah Swiger and Mary Grace Swiger are the daughters of Dr. Johnny Swiger and Christa Swiger of Mandeville, La. Kristen Swiger, John David Swiger, Michael Swiger and Joseph Swiger are the children of David and Angie Swiger of Gulf Shores.
He will also be sorely missed by his beloved pet, Miss Scarlet O’Hara, a gift from our close and loving family friend, Kim May. Miss O’Hara never left his side in life, and was at his side as he passed.
His daily mantra was “Always look for the good in people.” And he lived it every day.
Mr. Swiger will be cremated. There will be a visitation at Our Lady of the Gulf Catholic Church on Thursday, April 23, 2015, at 10 a.m., followed by a mass at 11. All are welcome and invited to join us for a reception and a celebration of life at 12:15 until at the home of David and Angie Swiger, located at 415 Clubhouse Dr.
John loved flowering plants, fruit trees and nature’s beauty. In lieu of flowers, the family asks guests and friends to send or bring plants that can be kept in the home or planted in the yards of his children and grandchildren to be enjoyed in his memory. Plants can be delivered to Our Lady of the Gulf Catholic Church, or to 415 Clubhouse Dr. in Gulf Shores.
