Paul Swearingen

A celebration of life service for Paul V. Swearingen will be held Wednesday, December 12, 2018 at 2:00 p.m. in the chapel of Stephens Funeral Home, Meridian, Mississippi, with Reverends Warren Hedgepeth and Ben Laird officiating. Visitation will be held from 12:30 p.m. until service time at Stephens Funeral Home. Burial will follow at Macedonia Baptist Church Cemetery.

Mr. Swearingen, age 90, went to be with his Lord on Friday, December 7, 2018.

Paul was born in Newton county and grew up near Suqualena, where he and his precious wife of over sixty-six years, Clara (Peanut, as he lovingly referred to her) raised two daughters and enjoyed two grandchildren, Jason and Brittany, who called him "Pop".

Paul, first and foremost, was a Christian. When he was thirteen years old, he told his dad that he wanted to be saved and they knelt in a field beside the road leading to the family home, where he asked Jesus to come into his heart and life. Paul followed his dad's example of a Christian man and witnessed to his children and grandchildren about not just living for Jesus, but living life as a testimony for Jesus to lead others to Him. His life was a testimony to his family, as well, whether it was to always stand up for what you know is right, or to humble yourself before God. His daughter, Anne, remembers her dad always removing his cap and bowing his head before any partaking of food, whether at the kitchen table or a fast food drive-in. As long as he was able, he knelt during prayer, whether at home or church. Paul had served as a deacon at Macedonia Baptist Church and Pine Forest Baptist Church, where he was currently a member. He was always concerned about the Salvation of others, and upon hearing of the death of someone, their Salvation was his first thought.

Paul was proud to be a mason and a member of the Masonic Lodge in Suqualena. He became a Master Mason on July 27, 1961. He made many long-lasting friendships through masonry and always told his family that a mason must present a moral Christian testimony to others.

Paul served honorably in the United States Air Force and after many years, retired from South Central Bell as a Supervisor. For many years, Paul enjoyed hunting and fishing, being outdoors and spending time with friends and kinfolk at his camp, the "Old Place". He loved to entertain at gatherings by sharing stories of his youth while a student at Suqualena School. He and his wife enjoyed singing gospel music and in the early 1970's, formed a gospel group called The Macedonians. They made many Christian friends through singing for Jesus, and Paul shared that he was looking forward to getting to sing again with "Peanut" and for them to praise Jesus together, Paul's family is sad to have to carry on here without him, but we look forward to one day again all being together in Heaven.

Paul is survived by two daughters, Anne James of Collinsville and Renee Swearingen of Chunky; the light of his life, his granddaughter, Brittany James, of Collinsville; sister, Sarah Sellers, of Toomsuba, and his brother, James Swearingen, of Hickory. He also leaves behind his and Peanut's beloved cat, Bob.

He was preceded in death by his wife of sixty-six years, Clara Swearingen; parents, Reverend Otis V and Noda Swearingen; grandson, Jason James; son-in-law, Billy James; brother, David Swearingen, and sisters, Zelma Craig, Ruth Gressett, Mary Harris, Miriam Taylor and Martha Swearingen, as well as an infant brother.

Pallbearers will be Fred Brashier, Al Kimbrell, Joseph Knight, Thomas Knight, Hayes McMahan and Micky McMahan. Honorary pallbearers will be David Archie, David Everett, Pat Howse and Norman Yates.

Family and friends may leave online condolences at stephensfunerals.com.

Visitation

Stephens Funeral Home
2800 Old North Hills Street
Meridian, MS  39305
Wednesday, December 12, 2018
12:30 p.m. until 2:00 p.m.

Service

Celebration of Life

Stephens Funeral Home
2800 Old North Hills Street
Meridian, MS  39305
Wednesday, December 12, 2018
2:00 PM

Cemetery

Macedonia Baptist Church Cemetery
Suqualena, MS  39305