Gene Swindle, 76, of Plant City, died Jan. 13, 2016, of complications from heart disease and asbestos exposure to his lungs.
Mr. Swindle loved just about everything about farming and the outdoors, especially riding his tractors. He grew up hunting, fishing and farming, and in later years started investing in properties all over the South.
He planted many acres of land over his lifetime, from peppers to corn, and was always happy to share. He had a 550-acre pecan farm in Georgia, which he harvested, and also raised cattle.
He loved catching catfish in his many ponds he had on his farm. One of his hobbies was digging up old arrowheads around central Florida. He and his wife, Marion, also loved to travel and have traveled many places in the United States and abroad, as well as the occasional cruise.
He was born in Dover, not far from where he was living at the time of his death. He loved to tell everyone around him, “I was born right over there.” He had many friends from his childhood that are still his friends to this day. When he finally would take a break from his countless projects, he enjoyed playing cards and watching NASCAR races with his wife. He was also a snazzy dancer and could cut a rug on the dance floor from the sounds of country music.
He loved his large family and enjoyed everyone to be around him in celebration. He worked for his brother his entire career and later became part owner of the company his brother founded. He loved his wife very much, and there was nothing they couldn’t do or achieve. Together they were inseparable and unstoppable: a match made in heaven.
He is survived by his wife, Marion Swindle; sons, Richard and James Swindle; stepson, John Pearce; daughter, Melissa Pratt; stepdaughter, Jan Fogarty; seven grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; and brother, Edward Swindle, who he had a deep love and respect for throughout his life. Later in life, he was blessed with an additional extended family which gave him three more grandchildren and nine more great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his brother, Willard Swindle; and sister, Adele Hodges.
A celebration of life was held Jan. 16 at Hopewell Funeral Home in Plant City. Committal followed at Dover Cemetery.
Online condolences may be made at HopewellFuneral.com.