Tobe (Tobie) Swint

August 15, 1932 – June 18, 2016

Tobe (Tobie) Swint was born on August 15, 1932 to Margie Ingram and Lum Swint in Saunderville, (Washington County), Georgia. He had six siblings and five of them preceded him in death, Alex, Addie, Mina, Lonnie and Lenton. His sister, Martha Grant lives in Boston. He was educated in Georgia Public Schools and started working at an early age to help his family. Tobie and his wife, Mattie Swint (who preceded him in ,death) were devoted foster parents.

Tobie did construction work and was employed by Flippo Construction Company for over twenty years. Before his retirement from Flipppo Construction, because of his expertise in construction he was elevated to foreman. He loved to fish and prior to his illness, fishing was his favorite pastime.

His illness prevented him from living independently, so he lived with his son, Bradley and daughter-in-law, Tiffany. For the last two years of his life, Tiffany was his primary caregiver. During his time there, he was able to be close to some of his grandchildren. Tobie was a strong man, he enjoyed life, he fought a good fight and at the end he was at peace and accepted Christ as his Lord and Savior. Our time on earth is limited and when we depart this place we are free of pain, sorrow and suffering.

 So Tobie Swint is free and the poem, I’m Free says it best:

 Don’t grieve for me, for now I’m free,

I’m following the path God laid for me.

I took his hand when I heard his call,

I turned my back and left it all.

I could not stay another day,

To laugh, to love, to work, to play.

Tasks left undone must stay that way,

I’ve found that peace at the close of the day.If my parting has left a void,

Then fill it with remembered joy.

A friendship shared, a laugh, a kiss,

Ah yes, these things I too will miss.Be not burdened with times of sorrow,

I wish you the sunshine of tomorrow.

My Life’s been full, I savoured much,

Good friends, good times, a loved one’s touch,Perhaps my time seemed all too brief,

Don’t lengthen it now with undue grief.

Lift up your heart and shore with me,

God wanted me now, He set me free.

 Tobie leaves to cherish his memory his children: three sons Bradley (Tiffany}; Alvin (Peggy) ; Ronnie and three daughters Melody, Crystal, and Debra. One of his daughters (Carolyn) preceded him in death; one sister, Martha; twenty-four grandchildren, ten great grandchildren, nephews, nieces and a host of other relatives and friends.