GEORGETOWN – Nelson Truitt Swain passed away on Saturday Apr. 29, 2017, at his home in Georgetown.
A native Delawarean, Mr. Swain grew up in Georgetown, and upon graduating from Georgetown High School, he served in the U.S. Army. After returning home, he worked with his father and brother, Linden, as part of T. Paul Swain and Sons Construction. On Mar. 11, 1951, Nelson married his sweetheart, Jean McCullough. In 1955, he started Swain Building Supply, in Georgetown, and began building custom houses, in Sussex County. Swain Building Supply, later evolved into Swain Carpet, and he continued as owner, for over 50 years until his retirement, in 2007, at age 80. Nelson built his home in Swain Acres, where his 4 sons were raised, and he has continued to reside there. Nelson enjoyed watching cowboy movies, going to the beach, riding the Cape May/Lewes Ferry, visiting Tangier and Smith Islands, seeing horses at the Fair and at Chincoteague, and viewing Air shows. He loved going to the Delaware State Fair, every year with his family. He took joy in reminiscing about trips to Switzerland, San Francisco, Calif., Bermuda, Niagara Falls, and Disney World. Nelson especially enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He was a longtime member of Wesley Methodist Church, in Georgetown.
He was predeceased by his wife of 60 years, Jean McCullough Swain; and his parents, T. Paul and Mary Alice Swain.
He is survived by his 4 sons, Dale N. Swain (Lorraine), of Middletown, Steve T. Swain (Christine), of Georgetown, David R. Swain (Amanda), of Georgetown, and Jack R. Swain (Patty), of Ponte Vedra, Fla.; brother, H. Linden Swain and wife Marie,of Georgetown; 8 grandchildren, Jennifer Sapienza (Joey), Steve Swain (Chelsea), Stephanie McGonigal (Bryan), and Ryan, Michael, Daniel, Braeden, and Meoghan Swain; and 8 great-grandchildren.
The family would like to give special thanks to Mr. Swain's primary caregiver, Alta Meredith, for her wonderful support, over the years. A special recognition to Nelson's son, Steve, for helping Dad, in so many ways, over the last few years.
A funeral service will be held Saturday, May 6, 2017, at 11 a.m., in the chapel of Short Funeral Services, 609 E. Market Street, Georgetown, with visitation Friday evening from 7-9 p.m., and Saturday from 10-11 a.m.
Burial will be at St. John's Church Cemetery, Georgetown.