Larry Lappy Swinney

Brown Summit - Larry "Lappy" Swinney passed away in the early morning of August 16, 2010 with peace and grace in the home that he built with his own hands surrounded by family and his best friend, Brian. He loved life, and in his wake he always left smiles, happiness and even a little embarrassment. He was the ultimate jokester and always showed everyone a good time. Life was too short not to enjoy. Even in his final days he maintained his sense of humor and shared that gift with those he loved. Larry was born on October 29,1947 in Leaksville, North Carolina to the late Fred and Geneva Swinney. He was blessed with two brothers, Berkley Swinney who met him at the gates of heaven, and his "Best Breakfast Buddy", Tom Swinney of Ridgeway, Va. He graduated with the class of 1968 from The North Carolina School for the Deaf as an outstanding athlete and leader. After graduation he attended Gallaudet University and then worked at the USPS for 28 years. He had an amazing gift of carpentry that was self taught. He built three of his own homes as well as shared his gift with others. His legacy will live on as being the founder and past president of the Piedmont Association of the Deaf. It serves as an organization that brings awareness and a sense of pride to the Deaf community. Left to cherish him are his wife of 24 years, Mary Ann Swinney (Honeybum), and his children: Jennifer Parker (Honey) and husband, Chad; Melissa Eller (Sugarpop) and husband Ashley; Kerry Swinney (KD) and Fred Swinney (Freddy). He is also survived by his grandsons, Hayden and Cohen Parker and Tristen Swinney; a nephew, John Swinney and niece Julie Swinney, as well as his constant companion, "Puppy". The family would like to express their gratitude to Dr. Gustav Magrinat and his favorite Nurse, Valerie of the Moses Cone Regional Cancer Center; Dr. Kellie Goldsborough of Carolina Kidney Associates; the staff at the Greensboro Kidney Center as well as the staff of Hospice of Greensboro. You helped us to enjoy years that we should never have had. Our family would be honored to receive family and friends on August 20th from 4 to 8pm at the home of Chad and Jennifer Parker at 203 Fosseway Drive Greensboro NC 27455. A celebration of life will be announced at a later date. Instead of flowers, please honor Larry's life by making a donation to The Multiple Myeloma Foundation (www.themmf.org); the American Diabetes Association (www.diabetes.org) or to Hospice of Greensboro (www.hospicegso.org). A truly rich man is one whose children run into his arms when his hands are empty. Wilkerson Funeral Home is assisting the family.