Rev. Cleo Donald "Don" Swinney

Rev. Cleo Donald (Don) Swinney, age 91, passed away peacefully on Monday, May 13, 2024, at his home in Graham, North Carolina.   Now in the arms of his Savior, he is celebrating a life well lived, marked by his devotion to his faith, and the love he shared with his wife and family. 

Don Swinney, the son of the late Rev. and Mrs. George Swinney, grew up with a strong sense of service and devotion.  He served in the U.S. Navy and then married the love of his life, Jane Sue Walker. They had 67 wonderful years of marriage together. Jane passed away April 2, 2024.  They are now reunited, enjoying the presence of the God they served so faithfully.

Shortly after serving his country, Don felt God’s call on his life to preach the Gospel. With an unwavering commitment to grow in the knowledge and understanding of God’s word, Don enrolled and graduated from Campbell University in Buies Creek, North Carolina.

With his devoted wife Jane by his side, Don pastored several churches during his career, including Calvary Baptist Church in Burlington, where he served for more than 25 years. After serving at Calvary, he continued to supply pulpits wherever his gifts were needed. He seized every opportunity to share the message of Jesus Christ.

Don officiated hundreds of weddings, funerals and baptisms and preached thousands of sermons and Sunday school classes. While his Earthly journey has come to an end, his spirit, guidance, wisdom, and messages of love and faith will endure by all who were touched by his grace.

Don found the ultimate delight in each of his children and grandchildren. From the moment they entered this world, they never walked a day on this Earth without being covered in prayer. His presence and love of storytelling brought them so much joy and created cherished memories that will forever live within their hearts.

He is survived by daughter Becky Purser (Tommie), Sharon Stowe (Del); grandchildren, Jennifer “Jenn” White (Rodney), Joy McMillan (Andy), Tommie Purser, Jr. (Stephanie), Grace Shanklin (Daniel), Gabby Wolfe (Christian); great grandchildren, Jordan White, Ally McMillan, Kinsley Purser, Tanner Purser, Cameron Wolfe, Austin Wolfe, Savana Wolfe, Anna Shanklin, Lily Shanklin and Ellie Shanklin and many loved nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents Rev. and Mrs. George Swinney; wife Jane Sue Walker Swinney; brothers, Clarence Swinney and Vernon Swinney; sisters, Irene Vaughn, Hazel Jarrett, and Yvonne Vanhoy. 

A service to celebrate his life will be held at 2:00pm on Saturday, May 18, 2024 at Lowe Funeral Home Chapel with the burial to follow at Pine Hill Cemetery.  The family will receive friends from 12:30 – 1:45 prior to the service at the funeral home. 

 The family would like to thank the special caregivers, Peggy Young, Susan Cobb, Tamia Murray, and Alysun Whittington.

 In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to AuthoraCare of Alamance County, 914 Chapel Hill Rd., Burlington, NC 27215.