Dr. Richard Ray Swanson

Dr. Richard Ray Swanson was born on April 6, 1948, to the late Ms. Maggie Lee Thigpen and nurtured byMr. Dezebee and Nazareth Swanson. Richard Swanson journey began when he confessed Christ at an early age. He attended The Light of Joy while residing in Riverdale, Georgia and The Worship Center Christian Church in Birmingham, Alabama.He attended A.H. Parker High School in Birmingham, Alabama and upon graduating he enter the U.S. Army where he served in the Vietnam War and a P.O.W. After an Honorable Discharge, education was very important to Richard Swanson, so he enrolled into Miles College and received his bachelor’s degree in social services and became a member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Inc. and Nasiha Roho Adinasi Fraternity, Inc. Richard strive to be the best he could be, so he obtained his Master’s Degree from Atlanta University and went own to further his education and received his Ph.D. in Psychology from the University of Alabama were Legends are made. Dr. Richard Ray Swanson was a man of many talents and worked many jobs. After retirement Dr. Richard Ray Swanson became a Sports Official for the State of Georgia. He was a lover of Football, Baseball, and Basketball. He also loved to entertain family and friends, he enjoyed traveling, listen to music, playing cards, eating: Barbeque, chicken wings, popcorn and ice cream. He was preceded in death by his parents, Dezebee and Nazareth Swanson, Maggie Lee Thigpen, siblings, Idell Dancer and John Ray Murphy and great nephew Noah Tyler Eugene Smith. On Thursday, July 13, 2023, Dr. Richard Ray Swanson answered God’s call and transitioned from earth tohis heavenly home. He leaves to cherish his memories: Four children, Arkeem (Shuntele) Swanson, Riverdale, GA., RahamanBurrell, Fairburn, GA., Kim Allen- (Tony) Vinson, College Park, GA., Orlena Wyatt, Atlanta, GA., brother Ezell (Ruby) Ray, Miami, FL., sisters Rosie Lee (Howard) King Montgomery, AL., Susie Ray Woolridge, Birmingham, AL., seven grandchildren Kinai Allen (Brandon)Foster, Taye Bronner Swanson, Kema Swanson, Derrick Tharpe II, LaVance’ Taylor, T’Asia Robinson and Tyler Robinson, four great grandchildren, Kree Foster, Noelle Foster, Judah Foster, and Leone Taylor. Sivi Woolridge his special niece to whom he looked at like a daughter and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and special friends,Anthony George and Barbara Wright both of Atlanta, GA. “He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there bemourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.” Revelation 21:4And ye now therefore have sorrow: but I will see you again, and your heart shall rejoice, and your joy noman taketh from you. John 16:22 Family and friends may visit at Southern Cremations & Funerals at Holly Hill on Friday July 21, 2023 from 1:30 PM to 4:00 PM with military honors. Please express your condolences here on our website. Services entrusted to Southern Cremations & Funerals at Holly Hill.