Charles Leroy Swagerty

December 7th, 1943 - July 8th, 2021

Charles's Memory Wall

We encourage you to share your most beloved memories of Charles here, so that the family and other loved ones can always see it. Share your favorite stories or comment on those shared by others.

Rosemary and family, so very sorry for your loss. Charles was a gentle giant. My fondest childhood memory was when we were driving down Superior St near the Shell station and Mr. Swagerty was walking by. My brother practically fell out of the car window when he excitedly yelled, “hello” to his favorite teacher. For me, Mr. Swagerty was my PE teacher for only a semester as a third grader at Lincoln. However, I was blessed to call him my colleague a few years later. I always marveled at how he could command such attention and respect from the kids with such a gentle manner. May you and your family take comfort in the many memories, cherished stories that you’ll recall in the days ahead. God bless. Love, Lynne

Lynne Maxwell

Mr. Swaggerty was a hero to every child that was his student. He always had a heart for the “ underdog “ and could make one feel safe to try something new in gym, no judgment. One of our favorite teachers ever, and when our kids had him a generation later….. so wonderful! He was a good man, a much loved teacher. He blessed us all in South Haven. Heaven has gained a wonderful soul. He made a difference. Prayers and condolences to his family. He will live on in many thoughts, memories and hearts.

Nancy and Steve Cerny

Rosemary and family,
Sending love and prayers out to all of you. It is so true that he could command such attention and respect with such a gentle manner. My fondest memory of Charles was when I was a first year teacher. I had a student run away from the playground and I was very panicked. Charles went to look for her, found her, and brought her back. I still can see her tiny hand in his big hand. She looked sheepishly at him and then when he left she said, “I’m glad HE brought me back.” I have so may fond memories of him, especially his smile, and I hope that you find comfort in your beautiful memories of him. God’s peace to all of you.

Julie Wallace

Charlie was a colleague, friend, and brother. Our friendship spans 51 years and we coached football together 30+ years. Our relationship was equal to that of soldiers with deep personal conversations on scouting trips and away game bus rides. He cared about people he knew and was a great male role model for many young athletes. The players lovingly called him Pops, and the coaches in the Wolverine Conference respectfully called he and me, “salt & pepper”. Coach Swaggerty was a gentleman but could hand out some tough love to kids when they needed it. A multitude of people will remember and miss him. But no one will miss him like his family will. Rosemary & family, I’m deeply sorry for your loss. He has received his Angel Wings and will watch over you all. The Lord be with you and comfort you

Jim McCloughan

Mr. Swagerty meant so much to so many people. Especially to his students. I was lucky enough to be one of his students. But to many of us, Mr. Swagerty was more than our gym teacher. He was a role model for those of us black boys who didn't have a father in our homes growing up. Society does not always portray black males in a positive way. But Mr. Swagerty just by being the great man that he was, was a daily reminder to all of his black students of how we should act. To be kind to others, to be generous, to work hard, to treat others and ourselves with respect, and to be proud of who we are. He was truly one of the kindest and most dignified men I have ever known. I'll always remember the fun I had in his class and the life lessons he taught all of us. Thank you Mr. Swagerty for all that you did for us. My heartfelt condolences go to the Swagerty family.

Cory King

Mrs Swaggerty and Family - OMGOSH!!! I'm so heartbroken 💔 to learn of the passing of one of the most beloved teachers many of us ever had!!
Mr. Swaggerty was my gym teacher all through elementary school, as well as my two oldest children's gym teacher.
But he wasn't just a gym teacher...he was a FRIEND and role model!!!!
He always had a kind word of love and encouragement , an amazing smile and laugh, and a hug!!!
He NEVER forgot your name or your face, even as we grew into adulthood and didn't see each other for years!!
He was EVERYONE'S favorite!!!
He was so much more than a gym teacher...he was a teacher of life....a teacher on how to live life and create a positive impact on everyone you meet!!
RIP Mr. Swaggerty 😭
I have no doubt you were greeted in Heaven with the words,
"Well Done, Good and Faithful Servant"
You will be missed and always have a very special place in my heart!! ❤️
Lori (Davy) Jorgensen

Lori Jorgensen

Rosemary and family, My heart broke when I heard this about Charlie. I know how I felt and I could only imagine the pain and difficulty you all felt. I am sorry. I am so sorry. I remember when he came to South Haven, I was in third grade and he took us out into Radcliff Field. I was so impressed with him. He let us ask him questions. And someone asked about his missing finger...(cheeky little questioner) and Charlie made a joke about it. I remember you and Charlie coming over to a RAMS WIN party at my house. I was so taken with both of you... Sitting in my house with my parents and friends and you appeared so comfortable. I hope you were. Charlie was so handsome. Rosemary, you were beautiful. Charles had qualities that I admired so much. Such strength of character, such a big heart, so much love and kindness toward me... ME? I loved being around him just like hundreds of children before me. We have lost a treasure in South Haven. I wonder if it can ever be replaced...

Kem Brooks

Dear Swagerty Family:

I do not believe there are enough kind words in the dictionary to describe your Husband, Father & Papa. I can tell you ....you all should take great comfort in knowing exactly where he is today. There was no last minute come to JESUS needed for Mr. Swagerty.

I can also tell you that my Dad (Ed Bocock) was waiting at the pearly gates for him. Gave him a firm hand shake and then I guarantee you Dad starting asking Mr. Swagerty what the heck is going on with Yankee's this year. And I bet Mr. Swagerty said with that HUGE smile of his. Ed, I don't know we should be better than this. But, we will get them the next game.

Love you guys all so much. And please let us know if there is anything you need.

Brian Bocock & Family

Brian Bocock

There are so many wonderful things about Charlie and what he has meant to so many people he touched during his life, it's hard to put into words! His smile, his demeanor, his very present always put people at ease. He was always someone you enjoyed being around, even though he may not say much. He was a true friend to all who had the privilege to spend any time with him, I think that's what set him apart and made him such a wonderful mentor to so many. He was a special man, one I, and all of us do miss! God be with you! My condolences Rosemary and family.

Dennis Carlson

To Charlie's family,

I don't know how many times I ran into Mr. Swagerty, Coach Swagerty or just plain Charlie over the years but I can't remember a single time when I wasn't happy to see him (ok, maybe in Junior High when I did something wrong). Our community received a wonderful gift when your family chose South Haven and we are certainly a much better place because of that decision. I can still remember Friday nights on the field and mild mannered Coach Swagerty. When I got older and returned to South Haven Charlie and I shared some small talk about his love for fishing and TN, I will miss that. I would love to have one more of those little chuckles from Charlie. Rest in peace my friend and thank you for all you did for me and for the community of South Haven.

Jon P Dorow

Mr. Swagerty was my favorite gym teacher! I remember he would come to Maple Grove School in late sixties early 70s's at that the time it was K-3rd Grade with Mr. Goff our principal. We would all be so excited for gym class. We had gym outside (we didn't have a gym inside at that time or a cafeteria.) Sometimes in the winter months he would come and we'd be inside doing games and exercises in our classroom He was so kind, strong, nurturing and a fun teacher. His smile would light up and encourage a room!