Richard Swisher

Richard Olin Swisher, Jr. “Dick”, 84, departed this life after a brief illness on June 11, 2022.

He was the son of the late Richard Olin Swisher, Sr., and Mary Kathryn McCollum. He was a seventh generation Tennessean, born in Chattanooga and raised in Ryall Springs. Dick graduated from Tyner High School and attended the University of Tennessee at Knoxville where he was a member of the Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity. He graduated from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga earning both a BS in engineering physics and an MBA, and worked for TVA for twenty-eight years. Dick served his country in the Navy for thirteen years, three of which were spent on active duty aboard the USS Terrebonne Parrish (LST 1156), where he achieved the rank of Lieutenant Commander. He was a member of Rivermont Presbyterian Church, where he served as both a Deacon and an Elder, and was a member of the Discussion Sunday School class. After his retirement, he remained engaged with TVA, serving as a member on both the TVA Credit Union and Bicentennial Volunteers, Inc. (BVI) Boards. "Pop” loved poetry almost as much as his family, and could fix anything mechanical. He was a voracious reader and historian, especially in regards to the Civil War. He enjoyed golf, cultivating roses, bluegrass music, and genealogy. His family and friends will fondly remember his wonderful sense of humor and his storytelling. Pop was upbeat and gregarious; a positive influence on those around him. He will be deeply and sorely missed by all who knew him.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 60 years, JoAnne Elizabeth Arwood, and his sister, Kathryn Ann Swisher.

He is survived by his children: Donna Kathryn (David) Smith, Samuel Olin (Lucretia) Swisher, Margaret Elizabeth (David) Clark; and grandchildren: Wright and Michael Smith, Anna and Jacob Swisher, and Fiona Clark. In addition, he leaves behind his sister, Dana Elizabeth (Gene) Stubsten; and several nieces and nephews.

A celebration of life will be held at Rivermont Presbyterian Church on Thursday, June 30, 2022 with Pastor Clay Thomas officiating. The family will receive friends at 10:00 a.m. followed by the service at 11:00 a.m. A private inurnment will be held at the National Cemetery immediately following. In lieu of flowers please consider a memorial donation to the following organizations: Habitat for Humanity: 1201 E. Main St. Chattanooga TN 37408 https://www.habichatt.org/

Rivermont Presbyterian Church: 3319 Hixson Pike Chattanooga, TN 37415 https://rivermontpresbyterian.org/

Arrangements entrusted to Lane Funeral Home, 601 Ashland Terrace, Chattanooga TN, 37415