William "Bill" Franklin Swain Jr.

With great sadness we announce the passing of William "Bill" Franklin Swain Jr., 68, of Newport, North Carolina who left us suddenly on Wednesday, February 26, 2025, at ECU Health Medical Center.

This amazing man never married and had no children of his own. However, being the wonderful, loving and giving person that he was, he became an integral part of many families all over the United States. For many families, he became the adopted family member being known as friend, Father, Brother, Uncle, and even Grandpa. Eventually his 48-year friendship with Laura Bortz became a love connection and they became engaged a few years ago.

As a young man, Bill stepped up to care for his ailing mother, Nannie Swain, after his father passed and then also cared for his younger sister, Joann, and her 3 children, Christina, Beverly and James. The Swain family has deep roots in Newport, NC. Their family home in the middle of Newport was built over 100 years ago. Many will remember that his father, William Franklin Swain, worked as part of the city's maintenance crew and will also remember his mother, Nannie Swain, who walked everywhere (in spite of her ailments) to grocery stores and church.

Bill, also known as Bing to some, first worked as a civil servant at Cherry Point around 1988 and continued working for our government off and on for approximately 29 years. During his career he moved to Jacksonville, Florida, Fishers, Indiana (near Indianapolis), California, Maryland going wherever he was needed. He was working during 9/11 and was sent to work in emergency situations such as Louisiana after the hurricane. He has many awards and certificates from various government branches for services going above and beyond the call of duty.

Everywhere he moved he made friends and became a part of so many families. Among his belongings were hundreds of cards, letters, and photos, addressed to him from many various locations. Unfortunately, most of them have no return address, but we'll be reaching out to the addresses we do have.

Bill was the kindest and most generous man you have ever known He would literally give his time and money to help anyone. He was also a very private person and did not share his good deeds. He never bragged about the things he did for others nor about his awards. He was the kind of guy who would give you the shirt off his back, even if he didn't have another one to wear. He gave and gave all he had to the point of ending up with nothing left for himself. After many days of going through all the paperwork we could find, all we could find was debt and many great memories. Yet he always found a way to help others. He was a very simple man and did not cherish things. He cherished friendship and family above all else! He was always there for holidays, graduations, birthdays, recitals, vacation trips, celebrations of good times and supportive in times of sorrow.

He was there for the birth of both of Laura’s children and was an integral part of their lives and later functioned as Grandpa to their children. He is well known for providing free rides to aid others in getting to doctor appts. We have also found many rough drafts of letters where he was responding to letters he had received about sending a friend $100 to help keep the electricity on or $50 to help keep the heat on during winter or even just help with groceries. He also wrote many letters and cards of encouragement and congratulations to the many children whose life he was a part of. He was Uncle and Grandpa to so many.

Even in death, he was able to help several families through the act of organ donation. His death caught his family by surprise as he was always so active and healthy. He had a rare and massive brain stroke that left no chance of recovery. His was a peaceful passing as he had no pain, he only felt a bit dizzy. An hour later in the ER he simply went to sleep. The family believes that his peaceful passing, with no suffering, was a blessing from God as part of a reward for the life he led helping others. And we know he is happily visiting with his parents now.

Those remaining to cherish his memory are his fiancé, Laura Bortz; sister, Joanne Lynn Swain (Thomas Robert Dean) of New Bern, NC; nephews, James Winford Adkins III, Jonathan John Adkins, and John Williams Adkins; nieces, Christina Marie Lickey and Beverly Ann McCotter; honorary niece and nephew, Victoria “Vicky” Respass and Robert Bortz; and his cuddly cat, Midnight.

Bill's family would appreciate any assistance in helping them give him the burial he deserves. His only wish was to be buried in the family plot beside his mother. He was against cremation and wanted a traditional funeral. The family asks that instead of flowers that donations be made in his memory. Any amount would be helpful. The family greatly appreciates any and all help. If unable to donate, the family asks that you share this request with others who may be able to help.

Bill's family is seeking support to honor his final wishes. He expressed a desire to be laid to rest in the family plot alongside his mother, preferring a traditional burial over cremation. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations to assist with these arrangements. Any contribution, regardless of the amount, would be deeply appreciated. The family is grateful for any assistance offered during this difficult time. If you are unable to contribute, they also welcome sharing this request with others who may be able to help.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to assist the family with funeral expenses by clicking here.

The family thanks you for your kindness, support, and for your prayers!

Family and friends are welcome to submit online condolences at www.mundenfuneralhome.net

Arrangements by Munden Funeral Home & Crematory, Inc. in Morehead City, NC.