Roy Swift

Roy R. Swift Roy R. Swift was born June 16, 1966 in Alamo, TN to his parents Roy Swift and Owanda Moody. On the morning of January 13, 2018 the Lord welcomed him home. Roy spent his early years in Detroit, Michigan where he attended and graduated from Southeastern High School as a basketball standout. He then attended The University of Texas Pan American on a basketball scholarship where he received his Bachelor’s of Science Degree. Roy then enlisted and proudly served in the United States Army. He was an active member of the Rising Star Missionary Baptist Church in Edinburg, Texas. He was the Varsity Boys Basketball Head Coach at Weslaco High School for eight years and McAllen High School for five years. Roy coached the McHi team to three consecutive regional appearances held in San Antonio. He also served as the Dean of Students and Assistant Girls Basketball Coach at Hinkley High School. He was a teacher and a basketball coach at Adams City, West and Overland High Schools. Roy moved to Denver, Colorado in 2010 after falling in love again with Arleta Moon, his college sweetheart. Roy found passion serving the Lord and educating and inspiring the youth to believe in themselves and chase after their dreams. Shortly after moving to Denver, Roy became a member of Rising Star Missionary Baptist Church, in Denver, Colorado. He served as the President of the Greeters Ministry, an Usher and sang in the Male Chorus. Roy also dedicated his service to the Brotherhood and Youth Ministries. Roy was well respected by the administrators, staff, parents, and faculty at the schools he worked for. His presence never went unnoticed on and off the court. The players he coached will remember his legacy; he imparted discipline, respect and humility. The churches he attended will never forget his continuous involvement. Roy was a loving father, companion and friend. He was a family man who devoted his life to his kids and always wanted the best for them. He made numerous friends with his genuine spirit making people laugh, providing comfort and sharing his joyous personality. He was an avid golfer and played as often as he was “allowed”. As a self-proclaimed grill master, he hosted numerous cookouts and volunteered his services for the Greeters Bar-B-Q’s and many other events. Roy loved talking to his buddies reminiscing about his days in the Army, growing up in Detroit and playing basketball at Pan American. He also loved his old school music and would often challenge anyone “to name that song”. He was best known for his “trash” talking whether he was drafting his fantasy football team, playing golf or playing cards. He was preceded in death by his loving mother, Owanda Moody and sister, Renona K. Howard. Those left to mourn his loss and cherish his memory include his loving companion Arleta Moon, daughter Monique N. Swift of San Antonio, Texas, daughter, Monet N. Swift of Aurora, CO, and son Kai Fino Swift of Alamo, Texas, his father Roy Swift (Ruby), brother, Sebastian (Sean) Reams, sisters, Crystal Swift and Jamie C. Howard of Alamo, TN, sisters, Linda M. Shanklin (Wayne), and La’Kissiua Reams of Detroit, MI. Roy is also survived by “his crew” a special group of close friends, former teammates, a host of other relatives and many other friends whose lives he touched.

Funeral Home: Pipkin Braswell - 843 West 100th Place Northglenn, Colorado
Visitation: 1/20/2018 at 9:00 AM - Rising Star Missionary Baptist Church - 1500 So. Dayton Street, Denver, CO
Service: 1/20/2018 at 11:00 AM - Rising Star Missionary Baptist Church - 1500 So. Dayton Street, Denver, CO
Cemetery: 1/26/2018 - Lincoln Memorial Cemetery - 21661 E. 14 Mile Rd. Clinton Michigan
Family Gathering: 1/20/2018 - Rising Star Missionary Baptist Church - 1500 So. Dayton Street, Denver, CO