Billy Swedenburg

BILLY SWEDENBURG

Billy Max Swedenburg, the youngest son of Mr. and Mrs. Nathan Pennington Swedenburg, was born in Millport, AL on May 6, 1941. His family moved to Columbus four years later. He attended the public schools in Columbus and graduated from S.D. Lee High School in 1959. He enjoyed his school days and developed lifelong relationships with many of his classmates. Billy was an active member of Main Street Presbyterian Church for over 50 years. He believed his greatest accomplishment was his three precious daughters of whom he was very proud. He was gifted in many areas and was an experienced craftsman. He grew up working at his father’s sawmill and later became a successful farmer, a beekeeper, a builder, and owned and operated Swedenburg Trucking, LLC. After retiring, he spent most of his time traveling and building furniture as gifts for his family and friends. He especially enjoyed entertaining and cooking for guests in his home and Honey House. Billy was known to be a fair, honest, humble, and loyal man. He was also known for his sense of humor and quick wit.

Mr. Swedenburg passed away on December 8, 2020. He was preceded in death by his parents and by his older brother, Wallace Swedenburg. He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Bess Yelverton Swedenburg; his daughters, Margaret Ellen (Joey) Jackson, Julie (Bo) Kennedy, and Janie Mills; seven grandchildren Brittany Jackson (Brad) Mallette, Boyd Jackson, Stanley (Mary Ellen) Kennedy, Penn Kennedy, Whit (Bailey) Mills, Bess Mills, and Maggie Mills.

Memorial Gunter & Peel Funeral Home & Crematory is in charge of arrangements.  A private family funeral service will be Friday, December 11, 2020, at 11:00 AM at Main Street Presbyterian Church with Rev. Todd Matocha officiating.  The interment will immediately follow at 12:00 pm at Mayhew Cemetery, where friends are welcome.

Pallbearers will be Allan Brewer, Willie Brown, Billy Ray Cummings, Trip Hairston, Justin Harris, Ray Kilpatrick, Bo Richardson, Clay Richardson, and Danny Williams.

Honorary Pallbearers will be Rudy Caldwell, Ben Chilcutt, Leonard Diachirra, Frank Ferguson, Howard Fisackerly, Nick Hairston, Clayton Richardson, Buford Sharp, Charles Walker, and Jack’s Coffee Club.

In Lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Mayhew Cemetery Fund, PO Box 13, Mayhew, MS 39753 or Main Street Presbyterian Church, PO Box 26, Columbus, MS 39703.