Everett Swanson, 86, of Hayesville died Sunday, March 18, 2012 at his residence.  He was a native of Clay County. He served in the United States Navy in 1944. Everett was a veteran of World War II serving in the Pacific Theatre. He returned to Clay County working as a logger, carpenter, and wood worker. Everett also worked for Baker Furniture for 23 years before retiring in 1990. He served as a deacon at New Hope Baptist Church as well as Sunday school teacher and song leader for over 50 years. Everett was devoted to his family and gave all his spare time to helping his family however possible.

He was the son of the late George Marion and Elzie Carter Swanson and was also preceded in death by a daughter, Mary; two sisters; and three brothers.

Surviving are his wife, Dorothy Garrett Swanson; three daughters, Glenda Cheeks and husband, Herbert and Teresa Davenport and husband, Kenny all of Hayesville, and Gloria Swanson of Hiawassee, GA; a son, Marvin Swanson and wife, Christine of Locust, NC; a sister, Lucille Cunningham of Murphy; and nine grandchildren and six great grandchildren.

Funeral services were held at 2:00 PM Wednesday, March 21, 2012 in the New Hope Baptist Church with the Rev. Kyle Cody and Brian Davenport officiating. Interment was in the church cemetery with military graveside rites conducted by the Murphy American Legion Post 96, DAV Chapter 73, VFW Post 10222, Hayesville American Legion Post 532, VFW Post 6812 (Allison-Bristol), and the US Navy Reserve.  Pallbearers were Brian and Austin Davenport, Glen Cheeks, Stephen and Curtis Swanson, Chris Bradley, Scotty Robinson, and Jerry York.  Honorary pallbearers were Rev. J.W. Watson, Randolph Cunningham, Eddie Ferguson, Carroll Curtis, David Byers, David and Jerry Swanson, and Mike Dills.

The family received friends from 6-8 Tuesday evening at the Ivie Funeral Home, Hayesville where the body was until placed in the church 30 minutes prior to the services.

The family requests memorials be made in memory of Everett Swanson to the New Hope Baptist Cemetery Fund, c/o Debbie Mills, 574 Carter Cove Road, Hayesville, NC 28904.

Ivie Funeral Home, Hayesville in charge of all arrangements.