Carroll Eugene Swift

Carroll Eugene Swift was born in 1939 in Burnet, Texas, to Virgil and Floyee Swift, the eighth child and only son joined a family in transit. He learned early to adapt and be creative, carrying that grit and determination throughout his life. His family lived in many places, but Lubbock was home, and he lived in the same house on 24th Street for 61 years with his wife, Virginia, who preceded him in death.

He went by many names, and many do not know him by Carroll. To his sisters, he was “Bud,” to his friends, “Gene,” and to his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, he was “PaPa.”

His most immense joy was music, and after he retired, he and Virginia travelled near and far to bluegrass festivals. He was a connoisseur and collector of many things: guitars, basses, mandolins, banjos, cowboy boots, belts, miniature cars, and, most recently, saddles.

Gene was a raconteur and loved telling stories about his escapades. He loved entertaining with cookouts at his house and made guacamole and salsa for each occasion. He collected friends everywhere he went, and his bigger-than-life personality left a big hole to fill.

He leaves two children, Richard Eugene Swift of Shallowater and Katherine Ann Albert of Austin. He has six grandchildren: Erika Albert, Jordan Swift, Taylor Swift, Andrea Gordon, Weston Swift, and Jentry Swift, and six great-grandchildren. A sister, Gwendolyn McClaren of Lubbock, also survives him.

Carroll Eugene Swift passed away on November 12, 2023.

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