Carl Michael “Swannee” Swanson was born on August 8th, 1930 in Gary, IN and grew up in Chicago. He was a devoted father, husband and friend, and will be sorely missed by many.
He is survived by his wife of 67 years, Gerry; daughters Susan and Sharon; grandchildren Aron, Eleanor and Oliver; sister Virginia Barabasz, brother-in-law Jerome Barabasz, nephew Dan and niece Diane.
He was a Veteran, a die-hard patriot, and a proud Marine. He served in the reserves for four years, with active duty in Korea. One of the highlights of his life was to be invited on the Honor Flight to Washington DC, for an up-close and personal tour of all of the military memorials.
He attended Northwestern University, a graduate of the College of Advanced Traffic.
From there, he enjoyed his 43-year career with F.W. Woolworth, beginning in Chicago, to Lancaster, PA, next to Manhattan, KS and last, in Greenville, SC. He was Traffic and Fleet Manager, a master of logistics.
He was always there for his daughters, as softball coach, homework helper, art project support, Girl Scout cookies sales associate, whatever was needed and always with a smile. He was a smooth dancer and held court at parties and sorority Dad weekends. He and Gerry were known to cut a rug.
His Catholic faith was very strong. He was a member of St. Mary Magdalene, and held various roles at the church throughout the years, including head usher. After church he loved to go out for breakfast followed by a nice drive in the countryside.
He was a member of and did charitable work for many organizations – the Knights of Columbus, the Ancient Order of Hibernians, the Lions and the Elks. He was always a top seller of raffle tickets/brooms/mints/you name it, and he took great pleasure in being of service.
He had an amazing green thumb, gardening was his relaxation, creativity and passion. He maintained gorgeous yards at all of his homes, and was Yard of the Month more often than not. Just drive past the house in Holly Tree at azalea time and you will understand.
He loved all animals but especially dogs, British Humor, puzzles, deciphering lottery ticket formulas and going to the racetrack to watch the horses run with his best friends. The Kentucky Derby was a well-celebrated event each year. He had quite the sweet tooth and was always good for an ice cream run right before supper. He was early to bed and early to rise and looked forward to his morning coffee and newspaper ritual each day.
Although he was a Chicago south-sider, he ADORED his northside Chicago Cubs and tuned in to every single game, no matter where he was living. He was thrilled that he was alive to witness their long-awaited World Series victory in 2016.
The funeral Mass will be celebrated on Friday, August 6, 2021 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Mary Magdalene Catholic Church.
In remembrance of Swannee, please pour yourself a Bourbon and Ginger – in a tall glass, light ice – and toast to a long, well-lived life.
Memorials may be made in Carl’s memory to The Monastery of St. Clare, 37 McCauley Road, Travelers Rest, SC 29690.