Earl Lee Swafford

Earl L. Swafford, 82, of Fort Smith, Arkansas passed away peacefully on Thursday, July 24, 2025 at home. Earl was born in Alma, Arkansas to Lettie Emiline (Kimes) and Jessie Flay Swafford on July 13, 1943. Earl graduated from the University of Arkansas in 1971 following military service in the U.S. Air Force during the Vietnam era.

Earl retired from Arkansas Best Corporation (Arcbest) where he served as the Director of Internal Auditing. He worked there from the time he graduated college until his retirement at a job he thoroughly enjoyed.

Earl enjoyed music, golf, walking, fishing and traveling. He was also a devout Christian and enjoyed attending various churches. He was a member of the Downtown Sertoma in excess of 10 years where he enjoyed helping others as well as socializing with his like-minded friends. He was a part of the Little Red River Fishing Group and always looked forward to their fishing trips.

Earl is preceded in death by his parents, Lettie Emiline (Kimes) and Jessie Flay Swafford, his brother Jess R. Swafford, as well an infant twin brother, Gerald.

He is survived by his daughters, Connie (and husband Dan), Lisa Meadors, all of Fort Smith, his grandson, Jason Sharp, of Springdale, his foster daughter, Megan Metheny, of West Fork and long-time friend Kathleen Murphy of Van Buren.

A visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, July 31, 2025 under the direction of Lewis Funeral Chapel. The funeral service will take place at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, August 1, 2025, also at Lewis Funeral Chapel. Earl will be laid to rest near his parents and brother in Pope Cemetery in Graphic, Arkansas.

If preferred, in lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Parkinson’s Foundation. Special thanks to Heart of Hospice Volunteers & Staff.