Bro. R D Swilley

SWILLEY, Bro. RD - Age 79, passed away Saturday, January 4, 2014 at his residence. Family hour 10 a.m. Saturday, January 11, 2014 at Bethlehem Temple of the Apostolic Faith, 3401 M.L. King Ave., with funeral service commencing at 11 a.m. District Eld. Phillip J. Thompson officiating. Interment Flint Memorial Park Cemetery, G-9506 N. Dort Hwy. Friends and pallbearers will assemble at the church 10 a.m. Saturday. Bro. Swilley will lie in state in the Chapel of Lawrence E. Moon Funeral Home, 906 W. Flint Park Blvd., and may be viewed from 12 noon-8 p.m. Friday. Bro. RD Swilley, lovingly known as “Bra” and “Brother,” was born October 15, 1934 the fourth child of Walter and LuElla (Jones) Swilley in Ruleville, Mississippi. RD grew up a Share Cropper in Mississippi and later relocated to Flint, Michigan as a young man in the 1950's. He was employed at Chevrolet V8 Engine Plant, a division of General Motors and was a member of UAW Local #659 for 37 years before retiring. RD married the love of his life, Sarah Bernice Rich, May 31, 1957. To this union was born eight children. They were married 56 years before the Lord called him home. Bro. RD Swilley was a faithful member of Greater Holy Temple Church of God in Christ for many years and a member of the Usher Board. He loved Sunday School and was always known to take many of the neighborhood children to church who wanted to go. RD loved all of his family. He was a devoted husband, father and farmer. RD grew some of the best greens around. His famous saying was: You may not always have what you want, but you have what you need. Always do your best and u'll have no regrets. Bro. RD Swilley leaves to cherish his memory: loving wife of 56 years, Sarah B. Swilley; 8 children, Reynold (Theresa) Swilley, Kimberly (Jeffery) Manley, Andre Swilley, Jerry (Peggy) Bickham, Derek (Lisa) Swilley, Clarissa Swilley Green, Terrance Swilley and Demetrius Swilley; brother, Bishop Joe (Exia) Swilley; sister, Vera Glass; 22 grandchildren; 9 great-grandchildren; family members who lived with him and were nurtured by him over the years; and a host of special cousins, nieces, nephews and friends. Bro. Swilley was preceded in death by his grandson, Terrance Swilley II: parents, Walter and LuElla Swilley; brothers, Walter Swilley and JC Swilley, sisters, Ethel Giles, Katie Myles and McTisha Swilley; and lifelong friend, George E. Powell. We are forever grateful to mother for her undying love and devoted care to taking care of daddy throughout his illness. It was certainly a comfort to dad knowing you were always by his side. Terrance, mom could not have done it without you being there with her. The family wishes to express special thanks to Dr. Abdullah Raffee, Dr. Ali K. Owda, Hurley Medical Center nursing staff, Hurley Davita Staff, District Elder Phillip J. Thompson and Bethlehem Temple Church family, Bishop Roger L. Jones, Sr. and Greater Holy Temple Church of God in Christ Church family.

Bro. R D Swilley

October 15, 1934 - January 4, 2014