Shannon Herron Swetman
May 23, 2022
CHARLOTTE – Shannon Herron Swetman left the body on Monday, May 23, 2022 surrounded by loved ones.
Shannon made the most out of his 87 years. He worked 30 years with Delta Airlines, where he forged many lifelong friendships with co-workers and allowed him and his family to travel all over the world. Cocktail napkins, paper towels, used envelopes, were never exempt from his sketches. If you wanted something designed, he was willing and ready. Having studied architecture at Auburn, he began his career in Atlanta. Tape measure and pen were never far from his reach.
During their Atlanta days, he could be found early mornings with friends solving the world’s problems and the daily crossword puzzle at a local diner. He also could be found around a bridge table or be on the phone trying to find a fourth. Always ready to hop in the car for a road trip or show up at the airport with doc kit and bermudas in tow, he was in motion from day one. It was hard not to like him. Happy, inclusive and enigmatic, his charm was infectious and, in most cases, needed and necessary. Casual acquaintances and family members alike reeled in his youthful exuberance. His default setting was joyful; unless he couldn’t find his glasses or the lawnmower wouldn’t start! Then the devils blushed at his colorful expletives. Occasionally slipping into song or foreign language, he kept his family loved and entertained for decades. Shannon had a slew of close friends he would adventure with from his teenage days up until his last few years. Born in Laurel, Mississippi, Shannon got a taste for the world at an early age when he and a friend hitchhiked across the country.
As he and his wife, Carol, moved across Western North Carolina over the past 15 years, they left a trail of new friends, and updates and improvements to houses in Tryon, Rutherfordton and Asheville.
Shannon is survived by his wife of 57 years, Carol; daughter, Juliana of Charlotte, NC; son, Joe of Spartanburg, SC; niece and nephew, Cindy Wherry and Philip Snead, along with their spouses and children.
His life was full and well lived, he will be missed dearly.
Services will be private.
Arrangements are in the care of Kenneth W. Poe Funeral & Cremation Service, 1321 Berkeley Ave., Charlotte, NC 28204; (704) 641-7606. Online condolences may be shared at www.kennethpoeservices.com.
Comments
-
There will never be a more likeable guy then Sherm. I have missed him over the years since we both retired. I will never forget the trips taken with Shannon and the other Deltoids: Rodger Holman, John Palmer, Jeff Gifford, Dan Magee, Ron Nelson and so many more.
Carol, I will never forget the friendships we have had over the years and know he will be sorely missed.
A old, old friend Dick Vinal, sometimes known as the Grouse. -
Oh Carol, I am so sorry to hear this! What a light and what a loss! I was one of those people described in your delightfully true and right on obituary.
I will forever treasure my time spent looking at houses and talking about the south that I spent with you both!! Love to you and your family!! -
You had a great ride. I hope that you and Gus are reveling in your reunion
-
Dear Carol, Juliane, Joe and all Shannon’s family-
These words captured the Shannon the Owen family knew and loved for many years. You have my deepest sympathy. He was our friend, helper, encourager and entertainer. He loved to sniff out good food, never forgot where the place was, how to get there, and their specialty. We ran into him and any friends he had brought along - Silver Skillet, Barbegue Kitchen OFTEN, and others. There was always a place at his table. Once he just stood. He never failed to tell me and thank me for Doug’s Place in Emerson. And he usually mentioned how “cheap and how delicious”!
There was nothing Shannon wouldn’t do for a friend, a stranger…for anybody. He’d do it effortlessly and with that special modest little smile. I loved his sense of humor, often tongue in cheek, and how easily he would brag on his Carol, Joe, and Julianne.
I have no doubt that he and Andy are eating cat head biscuits, country ham, grits, swimming around in red eye gravy. Pretty soon it’s going to be hot cornbread, silver queen fried corn, fried okra and fried green tomatoes topped off with warm cobbler and ice cream. Oh, they may need a snack - a ‘mater sandwich on soft white bread - he and I did argue over whether it had to be Duke’s (SS) or Hellman’s (AMO) mayo. There they are swapping stories, singling country songs and getting to know other friends who loved and will continue loving the good life.
Shannon Swetman, thank you. Such a good man. A kind man. A fun and funny man. A talented, brilliant man. You will never be forgotten. Well done, Shannon!
Our love to you all,
Ann, Amy, & Laura -
Carol, Julianna and Joe,
We were so sorry to hear about Shannon's passing. He was such a fun friend to have. He will be missed. Sending you our thoughts and prayers. Mary & Dave -
I am so sorry to learn of Shannon’s death, but what a great life he lived. I was just thinking about him the other day, about the time we went to two movies in one afternoon, one of which was about the Doors.
Love to all your family. -
Thinking of you and your family during the loss of a dear friend Shannon. So sorry we did not get to spend more time together. We always thought of our wonderful days in Conyers. Our love to all.
-
Shannon was as you described him. Lovely man in a lovely family. Condolences to all.
-
So sad to learn that Shannon has departed this life! What happy memories he leaves behind of good times spent in his and Carol’s company. He was one of a kind and I loved his wit. What fun we had on the phone every night lamenting the State of the Union during the televised Watergate proceedings! So long, old friend. ?. Lou
Share your memories & condolences