Jackson "Jack" Swindle, 89, of Chesapeake, went to be with the Lord on April 15, 2014. He was born January 4, 1925 in New Hope, Walker County, Alabama to the late Lawrence Lee and Clemmie Christine Jackson Swindle.
He attended Oakman High School in Oakman, Alabama. Through the National Youth Administration, he attended the University of Alabama learning the machinist trade. In 1943, during World War II, he joined the Merchant Marines and served for 3 years. During this time, he met Dorothy Graber Howell while making a stop in Norfolk, Virginia.They were married on January 3, 1946 in Gretna, Virginia. Shortly thereafter, they moved to South Norfolk, Virginia. He worked for Norfolk Shipbuilding and Drydocks as a mechanist and for Virginia Transit Company as a mechanic.After this, he rebuilt diesel engines for Mack Trucks. He then began working on truck refrigeration for Bonnie Motor Express and started the local dealership for Thermo King Truck Refrigeration. He also participated in the start up of Transport Refrigeration, Inc. with B. W. Mitchum and Norman Cooper. He continued to work in the truck refrigeration industry for approximately 40 years. He found great satisfaction in rendering services and doing his best for his customers.
He was a member of South Norfolk Masonic Lodge #339 since 1955. He took pride in the charitable and community services this group provided to the area and enjoyed the camaraderie of the other Christian men he served with.
Jack enjoyed golf and fishing. He also loved attending church. He was currently a member of Rivercrest Christian Fellowship where he was currently a member of the Culpepper Sunday School Class. Prior to that, Jack had worshipped at South Norfolk Christian Church for over 50 years.
Jack''s greatest joy in life was raising and providing for his family. Those remaining have been blessed by his love and care include his wife of 68 years, Dorothy Howell Swindle; two daughters,Wanda Gayle and her husband Calvin Lane, and Glenda Myra and her husband, C.E. Batte; four grandchildren, Andrew Thomas Lane and his wife Elizabeth, Matthew Tyler Lane and his wife, Abigail, Courtney Rae Batte and Austin Tyler Batte; two great grandchildren, Benjamin Thomas Lane and Jackson Caleb Lane. He is also survived by one nephew, Dwight Wood. He was predeceased by his sister, Alice Afrey Wood.
A special thanks goes out to the staff of Cedar Manor Assisted Living and Dr. Shah for their compassionate care.
A funeral to celebrate his life will be on Friday, April 18, 2014 at 11 am at Graham Funeral Home with Pastor Amos Eby officiating. Interment will follow at Rosewood Memorial Park. The family will receive friends on Thursday from 6- 7:30 pm at the funeral home. Please visit his Book of Memories if unable to attend and to leave a note to the family.