It is with heavy hearts and deep love that the family announces the passing of Tommy “Moto” Swafford, who left his family on March 18, 2026, at the age of 78, at Erlanger Baroness Hospital, with his wife and daughters by his side.

Tommy was born on February 12, 1948, in Chattanooga, Tennessee. He grew up in Sale Creek where he graduated from high school, married, and was drafted to Vietnam in 1968. He and his wife later moved to Graysville where they raised their two beloved daughters.

Tommy was preceded in death by his parents: Jack and Elaine (Fitzgerald) Swafford; brothers: Eugene Benson, Ronnie Swafford, and Dwayne Porter; and his sister: Wanda Long.

Tommy is survived by his wife of 57 years: Diane (Bearden) Swafford of Graysville; daughters: Teresa (Steve) Gates of Athens and Tonya (Lane) Coffey of Graysville; grandchildren: Brittany (Sean) Pomeroy of Casa Grande, Arizona, Ashley Gates of Athens, Thomas (Jacia) Smith of Graysville, and Dylan Smith of Graysville; great-grandchildren: Alexis Gates, Jackson Gordon, Kota Brown, Tierney and Ella Smith; special nephew: Andy (Katie) Hartman of Pikeville; sisters: Elizabeth Stinnett, Linda Hartman, and Pat Enecks; and several nieces and nephews.

“Moto” was drafted to Vietnam by the U.S. Army from June 1968 to June 1970. He was awarded a National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with three bronze Service Stars, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, Expert Rifle M-16, Sharpshooter M-14, and Army Commendation Medal.

“Moto” worked at Sequoyah (TVA) as a carpenter, drove for Southwest Freighting, and later retired from B&H Freight.

He was a stage 3 cancer survivor, he enjoyed hunting and fishing, and he especially loved playing pool with his league team.

Funeral services for “Moto” will be at Vanderwall Funeral Home in Dayton, Tennessee on Monday, March 23, 2026, at 2 p.m. He will be laid to rest with US Army honors in Rhea Memory Gardens after the service.

The family is being cared for by Vanderwall Funeral Home in Dayton, Tennessee, where they will receive friends on Sunday, March 22, 2026, from 5 to 7 p.m. and Monday, March 23, 2026, before the funeral.