John Emert Swafford, Jr., age 83, of Hixson, Tennessee passed away Tuesday, August 4, 2026 peacefully at home with his family by his side. John was a devoted husband, father, brother, and friend. He was a 1961 graduate of Bledsoe County High School and served in the United States Army. John loved farming and raising exotic animals. He was a faithful member of North Hamilton Church of Christ.

John was preceded in death by his loving wife of fifty-six years, Wanda Sue Swafford; parents, John Emert and Lottie Mae Fields Swafford, Sr.

John is survived by his son, John Bryant Swafford, sisters, Margie Smith, Huntsville, Alabama and Jane Mills, Pikeville, Tennessee; service dog and best friend, Hettie Lee Swafford; cousins; and a host of friends.

A celebration of life with military honors will be held at 3:00pm CDT Monday, August 10, 2026 in the Pikeville Funeral Home Chapel with Minister David Smith officiating. Burial will be in Hamilton Cemetery. The family will receive friends 1:00pm CDT until service time Monday at Pikeville Funeral Home.

Condolences can be made at www.pikevillefuneralhome.com. Pikeville Funeral Home was entrusted with arrangements.