Buford Ray Swaringen

Mr. Buford Ray "Burr" Swaringen, 91, of Mount Pleasant, passed away peacefully on Friday, July 31, 2026, at the North Carolina State Veterans Home in Salisbury.

The family will receive friends from 10:30 a.m. until 11:15 a.m., Thursday, August 6, 2026, at Wilkinson Funeral Home. A memorial service celebrating Burr's life will begin at 11:30 a.m. in the funeral home chapel with Rev. Wes Judy officiating.

A graveside service will be held at 1:30 pm on Thursday, August 6, 2026 at the VA Cemetery in Salisbury with military honors by the U.S. Marine Honor Funeral Honor Guard.

Born on December 31, 1934, in Concord, Burr was the son of the late Marvin D. Swaringen and Mary Frances McEachern Swaringen. He was also preceded in death by his brothers, M.D. Swaringen, Ben Swaringen, George David Swaringen; and by his sister, Linda Swaringen Courts.

Burr proudly served his country in the United States Marine Corps before returning home to spend his career in the family painting business. Working alongside his father and later continuing the business himself, he earned a reputation as a hardworking painting contractor whose work could be found throughout the community.

While Burr was known for his strong work ethic, he was remembered even more for his free spirit and unmistakable personality. He loved the outdoors and could often be found hunting, fishing, tending his garden, or caring for his chickens. Friends and family looked forward to the fresh vegetables and eggs he happily shared, never expecting anything in return. He had a lifelong love for dogs, especially those that found their way into his care, and there was rarely a time when a faithful companion wasn't by his side.

Burr also enjoyed motorcycles, good conversation, and spending time with friends at Little Buck's and Troutman's, where his smile, stories, and sense of humor made him a familiar face. Whether visiting with friends over a meal or lending a helping hand to someone in need, he had a way of making people feel welcome. His nieces, nephews, cousins, and countless friends will forever remember the laughter, memories, and unique stories that only Burr could tell.

His family finds comfort in knowing he received exceptional care during his time at the North Carolina State Veterans Home. The compassion shown to Burr and his family during his final days was a tremendous blessing and will never be forgotten.

Those left to cherish his memory include his daughters, Francie Swaringen of Mount Pleasant and Susanna Swaringen Shiels and husband, Kevin, of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina; his grandchildren, Hannan, Sawyer, and Salem; his sisters, Frances Brown, Carolyn Rauch, Maxine Mast, and Becky Barringer; his brother, David Swaringen; and numerous beloved nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family members, and many dear friends.

Memorials may be made to the North Carolina State Veterans Home, Salisbury, in appreciation of the outstanding care and compassion shown to Burr throughout his stay.

The family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to the caregivers, nurses, and staff of the North Carolina State Veterans Home for treating Burr with such dignity, kindness, and respect. Their compassion brought great comfort to both Burr and those who loved him.

He was a Good'un.