Walter Murray Swing

Walt Swing, 88, passed away peacefully on July 3, 2025, surrounded by his family.  He was raised in Conshohocken, PA and graduated from East Carolina University in 1959 where he was a member of Pi Omega Pi Honorary Business Fraternity.  He earned his Masters Degree from Boston University. Walt served for 20 years in the U.S. Army, retiring as a Lt. Colonel at Fort Bragg. He served two tours in Vietnam and had other worldwide assignments in Thailand, Germany and Belgium. After retiring from the Army in 1980, he obtained his CPA license and taught accounting at Methodist University.  During his tenure at Methodist from 1980-1997, he served as Professor Emeritus, Assistant Academic Dean, Acting Academic Dean and Chair of the Business, Accounting and Economics Department. The University honored his excellence in teaching, years of service, dedication and involvement in the community by awarding him the Outstanding Faculty Award and hosting a Walt and Loretta Swing Day at a football game held at Monarch Stadium.

Walt was a member of Peace Presbyterian Church since 1978 where he served as Treasurer, Elder, Clerk of the Session and member of steering and search committees.  His volunteer service extended to ministering to residents of Highland House Nursing Home. He was named a Presbyterian Faithful Saint in 2014 by the Presbytery of Coastal Carolina.

Walt’s community service extended to the CARE Clinic of Fayetteville where he served as Treasurer and Board Member from 1997 to 2021.

Walt was an enthusiastic sportsman and loved ball sports of all kinds.  He enjoyed playing tennis and won several tournaments at Dark Branch Tennis and Swim Club.  He was passionate about basketball, golf and skiing as well. 

He was an avid photographer who shot thousands of slides, movies and photos to document his world travels and capture the smiles of his many grandchildren.

Since his youth, Walt was an enthused model railroader and had several railroad platforms complete with tunnels, replicas of miniature towns and steam engines.

In addition to sports, photography, and model railroading, he was passionate about music.  He played trumpet for his High School Band and continued playing throughout his life.  He was a member of the Peace Presbyterian Church choir for many years and took piano lessons in retirement. 

He is survived by his wife of 66 years, Loretta Stone Swing, his sister, Sandy Martin, his daughter Amy (Brian) Heese, his son Shannon (Jennifer) Swing, grandchildren Lauren (Matt) Hodge, Zach Heese, Kieran Heese, Josh Swing, Austin Swing and Sam Swing and great grandchildren Peter Hodge, Clara Hodge and James Hodge. 

A Funeral service will be celebrated at Peace Presbyterian Church in Fayetteville, NC on July 9, 2025, at 12pm officiated by Reverend Dr. Kelli Taylor.  The family will receive visitors in the parlor at Peace Presbyterian Church prior to the service at 11am. Following the service, he will be interred at Lafayette Memorial Park with military honors.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be sent to Peace Presbyterian Church at 3203 Ramsey Street, Fayetteville, NC 28301 or to Methodist University for the Walter M. and Loretta S. Swing Accounting Scholarship care of Methodist University; Office of Institutional Advancement; 5400 Ramsey Street, Fayetteville, NC 28311.

Online condolences may be left at http://www.jerniganwarren.com

Arrangements by Jernigan-Warren Funeral Home, 545 Ramsey St., Fayetteville, NC 28301

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