Roosevelt Swanson, Jr.

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Roosevelt Swanson Jr. was born on August 23, 1948, in Hurtsboro, Alabama, to Sarah Word and Roosevelt Swanson Sr. He departed this life peacefully on September 17, 2026, leaving behind a legacy of love, laughter, family, hard work, and countless memories.

Roosevelt was a laid-back, funny, and personable man who loved to talk and never seemed to run out stories to tell. He especially enjoyed sharing stories about his childhood and growing up in Hurtsboro. His family will always treasure listening to him reminisce about his younger years and the experiences that shaped the man he became.

Roosevelt believed strongly in family. He loved his wife, children, grandchildren, family, and friends deeply and made a point of showing up for the people he loved. He had a way of making people feel important and valued. He was always willing to offer advice, encouragement, or simply take the time to talk. His advice was often to the point and meaningful: work hard, get a good education, be independent, and take advantage of every opportunity.

He encouraged his family to stand together, to take care of one another, and to remain committed to the people they loved. His family will remember not only the advice he gave, but the way he lived it by being present when they needed him.

Roosevelt had a special love for his grandchildren. He enjoyed spending time with them, spoiling them, and talking proudly about their accomplishments. He loved sharing their successes with anyone who would listen. With his characteristic humor, he would often say that his grandchildren were “hard to impress.” His pride in them, however, was unmistakable.

Roosevelt was a man who took pride in the things he loved. He enjoyed classic cars and took great pride in maintaining a beautiful, well-landscaped yard and flowerbeds. He enjoyed watching football and baseball and loved listening to Motown's greatest hits. He could often be found singing along to some of his favorites, including Aretha Franklin, Gladys Knight, and Smokey Robinson. He was also particular about his appearance and grooming, always taking pride in looking his best.

Roosevelt served his country in the United States Army during the Vietnam War from 1969 to 1971, including being stationed in Vietnam. He shared many stories about his experiences and time there, giving his family glimpses into an important chapter of his life.

He was also a dedicated and hardworking man who spent 41 years working for Inland Steel in East Chicago, Indiana. During his long career, he held several positions and ultimately retired in 2009 as a crane operator. His work ethic and dedication were another reflection of the values he encouraged in his family.

He often spoke about his faith and spent time reading the Bible. His faith, family, and life experiences were often woven into the conversations and stories he shared with those around him.

Roosevelt remained close to his family in Alabama and Massachusetts and kept in touch with his brothers and sisters. He frequently called his siblings, especially his brother Curtis, with whom he shared many memories and stories about their childhood together. Those conversations were a treasured connection to the life they shared growing up in Hurtsboro.

Roosevelt's sense of humor, his stories, his conversations, and his ability to make people feel seen and important will be deeply missed. Some may not have always understood his humor, but that was part of what made him uniquely himself. To those who knew him best, his presence was comforting, familiar, and irreplaceable.

Roosevelt was preceded in death by his parents, Sarah Word and Roosevelt Swanson Sr., and his beloved daughter, Sandy Swanson

He leaves to cherish his memory his loving wife, Alice Swanson; his 4 children, Tiffany Swanson Dix of Indianapolis, Yolanda Campbell of Hammond, Darcell Swanson of East Chicago and Lashawn Swanson of East Chicago; his 9 grandchildren, Emoni Dix, Aundre Dix Jr., Antwann Dix, Shamekia Felders, Artis Winborn, Darniesha Swanson, Darlene Swanson, Darchelle Swanson, and Darnell Swanson; 7 great grandchildren; his sisters, Bernie Brown of Boston, Massachusetts, Sarah Ann Charles of Boston, Massachusetts, and Lisa Lloyd of Hurtsboro, Alabama; his brothers, Curtis (Marva) Word of Oxford, Alabama, and Darold Lloyd of Boston, Massachusetts; childhood friends; Jonnie B Key, Leroy Phillips and Leroy Rias: nieces, nephews and a host of extended family members and friends who will continue to carry his memory in their hearts.

Though he is no longer here to tell another story, give another piece of advice, sing along to another Motown favorite, or make everyone laugh with one of his jokes, the stories he shared and the love he gave will remain.

He showed up. He loved deeply. He made people feel important. And he will be deeply missed.