KERNERSVILLE - Roger P. Swisher, 80 of 223 Cokesbury Dr. in Kernersville passed away on Tuesday, November 9, 2010 after a long brave battle with Parkinson's disease. Funeral Services celebrating his life will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, November 13, 2010 at Main Street United Methodist Church with Dr. Jeff Patterson, Dr. J.C. Groce, and Rev. Dale Hilton officiating. Entombment will follow at Eastlawn Gardens of Memory. Mr. Swisher was born August 30, 1930 in Yadkin County, the son of Grady P. and Stella Wooten Swisher. He was preceded in death by both parents; his beloved wife of 49 years, Faith Neugent Swisher in 2004; and his sister, Joanne Swisher Pegram in 1991. He graduated from Kernersville High School class of 1948 and was a partner in the family business, S&R Motor Company. Mr. Swisher was elected Kernersville Alderman and Mayor Pro-Tem in 1963 and in 1964 became Mayor. He served as Mayor from 1964-1985 and again from 1987-1991. He served again as Alderman from 1993-97. He also served on the Piedmont Triad Airport Authority, the N. C. Parole board and was President of the National Association of Regional Councils in 1979. He was a member of Main Street United Methodist Church. He was a charter and lifetime member of the Kernersville Civitan Club with over 45 years of perfect attendance. He was also a 32nd degree Mason and member of the Loyal Order of the Moose. He was granted status as a "Kentucky Colonel" and member of the "Order of The Long Leaf Pine." He was active in Republican politics and was a sports fan with special fondness for the New York Yankees and basketball teams from North Carolina. He is survived by a son, Jeffrey P. Swisher of Greensboro; daughter, Paula Faith Swisher Richards and her husband, Kent Richards of Oak Ridge; grandchildren, Paul Davis Cooke, Lauren E. Cooke, Glenn M. Cooke, Leah G. Cooke, Noah T. Cooke and Phillip C. Swisher; brothers, Melvin L. Swisher of Kernersville and James L. Swisher of Greensboro. The family will receive friends on Friday, November 12 from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Pierce-Jefferson Funeral Home. Memorials may be sent to the Kernersville Shepherds Center, 431 W Bodenhamer St # B Kernersville, NC 27284-2502.

Published in Winston-Salem Journal from November 10 to November 11, 2010