Clifford Ottis Swann

Pisgah Forest/Asheville Clifford Ottis Swann, 71, passed away Wednesday, December 26, 2007 at his home. Born and raised in Asheville, Clifford (Buddy) spent his earlier years taking care of and riding horses, and fishing Haw Creek and the Swannanoa River at The Recreation Park. His hobby as a rock hound led him to finding one of the largest uncut rubies in this area, which is now in the Smithsonian Institute. His hobby as a bowler won him many trophies. He enjoyed his thirty years with the Department of Transportation, working (and joking with), as he called them, the old timers. He retired in 1991-92. In 1993, he bought a small farm in the Pisgah Forest area where he enjoyed riding his horses, gardening and sharing the produce. He never met a stranger. He would stop and talk to anyone about religion, politics, the weather, or anything else. He loved testifying for Christ and his Lord, and discussing the Bible. He was preceded in death by his mother, Ruthie Crabtree Swann; father, Ottis K. Swann; first wife, Joyce H. Swann; and brothers: Charles Swann and Johnny B. Swann. Surviving are his wife, Elizabeth Swann; daughter, Teresa S. Wilde and husband Neal; granddaughter, Tonya L. Childers and fianc James Holt, Jr.; great-grandson, Michael Childers; brother, Jimmy Swann and wife Helen of Fayetteville, NC; and numerous nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be held at 2 PM Saturday in the chapel of Anders-Rice Funeral Home, with the Rev. Stanley Willet officiating. Burial will follow in Lewis Memorial Park. The family will receive friends from 7-8:30 PM Friday at the funeral home.