Jack Allyn Swicegood

Jack Allyn Swicegood, age 91 of Rocky Mount, passed away peacefully Sunday, March 6, 2022. He was preceded in death by his parents, Clarence and Thelma Swicegood; brothers, Leon Swicegood and Rev. Charles Swicegood; sisters, Joyce Dunlap, Rowana Stephens, Delores Earlywine, and Estelle Pagans; daughter, Diane Nolen; grandson, Jay Bennett; granddaughter, Stephanie Bennett; and special friend, Roger Robertson. Surviving to cherish his memory are his loving wife, Ruth Swicegood; son, Gary (Joy) Swicegood; daughter, Mollie Hodges; granddaughters, Leslie Nolen, Stacy Nolen, Morgan Swicegood (Jamie Carter); great-grandchildren, Ella, Eli and Elin Nolen-Funk; special grandson-in-law, Brandon Funk; special granddaughter-in-law, Ginny Bennett; son-in-law, Warren Nolen; siblings, Gerald Swicegood, Elaine Swindell and Donna Gay; numerous nieces and nephews; and many VAVRS, AVAVRS and VAJVRS friends. Jack served in the U.S. Navy and Army National Guard. He joined the Franklin County Rescue Squad in 1967, where he served as Jr. Squad Advisor and Chaplain. Jack was also active in the VAVRS, as well as a life member, where he served as State Jr. Squad Advisor and District 6 V.P. and Chaplain. He was instrumental in assisting several Franklin County Volunteer Squads in organizing during the early years. Jack was an instructor in EMT, CPR, Vehicle Extrication and EVOC. One of his greatest accomplishments was being inducted in the Virginia Life Saving and Rescue Hall of Fame in 2010. Papa Jack and Granny Ruth owned and operated Rainbow Child Care for over 25 years. This was not a job or business, but an act of love for them. Last year Jack was surprised with a 91 ^st birthday parade. Rescue Squads, Fire, Police, Public Safety, a fly over of Life Guard 10, and many friends participated. It was a site to see. The volunteer rescue squads of Franklin County honored Jack with a wooden American flag plaque. The family would like to thank everyone for calls, cards, food and visits. Also, Home Health Care and Franklin Health and Rehab for the excellent care given to Jack. The kindness meant more to him than you know. Funeral services will be conducted at Flora Funeral Chapel, 11:00 a.m. Saturday, March 12, 2022 with Chaplain Rick Poland and Rev. Joe Dillon officiating. Interment will follow in Franklin Memorial Park. His family will receive friends from 5-8 p.m. Friday at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Franklin County Rescue Squad (P.O. Box 147, Rocky Mount, VA 24151) in memory of Jack. Arrangements by Flora Funeral Service and Cremation Center, Rocky Mount.