John Walton Swanson, age 89 of Waynesville and formerly of Hayesville passed away Sunday, January 26, 2020 at Autumn Care Center in Waynesville. He was a lifelong resident of Western North Carolina; he was the only child of the late Gwen Swanson and Dessie Stansberry Swanson.
John had many professions. He worked mostly in retail auto parts and automotive restoration. John was an auto parts manager for several companies in western North Carolina. He also owned a backhoe business and Swanson’s Grocery located in Brasstown. He was an avid fan of fishing, NASCAR, and card games. John was a Korean War Veteran and entered the Army in February of 1951. He was awarded the combat infantry badge for excellent performance of duty under fire. Swanson was a gunner in the 180th Infantry Regiment’s Company L. He also wore the Korean Service Ribbon and the UN Service Medal. John was active in the VFW in Hayesville. He was a 32nd Degree Mason and a member of Hayesville United Methodist Church. John resided in Clay County Nursing Home for four years before going to Autumn Care in Waynesville for seven years.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his loving wife of 62 years, Louise Rebecca Caldwell Swanson and son, Gary Lamoin Swanson.
John is survived by his daughter, Rebecca Lynn Smith of Waynesville and husband Bert. His grandchildren: April Swanson Woody and husband Anthony of Hayesville, Rebecca Smith Wells and husband Rockford of Wilmington, NC and John Heyward Smith and wife Alicia of Floyd, VA. His great-grandchildren, Faith Helaina Woody, Bryan Maddox Wells, Elise Smith Wells and Madison Autumn Smith. He is also survived by a brother-in-law, Charlie Caldwell and wife Lenora of Brasstown.
Funeral services will be held at 3:00 pm, Tuesday, January 28, 2020 at the Townson-Rose Funeral Home Chapel of Hayesville. Rev. Aud Brown will officiate. Burial will be in the Scroggs Family Cemetery in Brasstown.
The family will receive friends from 2-3 pm, Tuesday, January 28, 2020 at the Townson-Rose Funeral Home Chapel of Hayesville.
In lieu of flowers donations may be sent to the Alzheimer’s Association, 3800 Shamrock Dr. Charlotte, NC 28215-3220.
Townson-Rose Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.
You may send tributes to the family at
www.townson-rose.com
Elbert Edwin Timpson 
