Lonnie "Billy" Swann, 77, passed on Thursday, December 25, 2025. Funeral will be held at 1pm on Saturday, January 3, 2026, at Fletchers Chapel United Methodist Church, 108 McCoy Drive, Hoffman, NC  28347. 

Public viewing, Friday, January 2, 2026, 12pm until 5pm at Nelson Funeral Home, 1021 E. Washington Street, Rockingham, NC  28379.

The family will receive friends and visitors at 114 Rushing Road, Hoffman, NC 28347. 

Online condolences may be made by visiting www.nelsonfuneralservice.com.  Nelson Funeral Service is serving the family. 

Local Florist:    Hillside Florist: 910-997-4028, 216 E. Franklin St., Rockingham, NC  28379

                        Boe's Florist:  910-895-3139, 167 Entwistle 3rd Street, Rockingham, NC 28379

                   Priscilla's Florist:  910-895-5642, 1032 B E. Washington Street, Rockingham, NC  28379

                                                                     Obituary

Lonnie Charles Swann, affectionately known to most as “Billy,” was born on January 1, 1948, to the late Lacy and Zelma Swann in Hoffman, North Carolina. On Christmas evening, Billy peacefully entered eternal rest while at Reid Heart Center in Pinehurst, NC. God saw that he was tired, reached out His hand, and Billy quietly went home.

Billy was educated in the Richmond County School System and later graduated from Sandhills Community College with a degree in Automotive Repair. Professionally, he retired from the City of Akron, Ohio Police Department, where he served in the Transportation Department with dedication and pride.

At an early age, Billy joined Fletcher’s Chapel United Methodist Church, where his faith was nurtured and grounded. After retiring and returning home to Hoffman, he faithfully reconnected with his church family. Billy was not one who sought recognition—he preferred working behind the scenes, making sure things were done and done right.  He was well known for how he kept the church campus and trees perfectly manicured.

Billy was truly one of a kind. He loved life, loved people, and seemed to know everyone. He never met a stranger and always made others feel welcome. He especially enjoyed entertaining family and friends at his home, often cooking on one of his many grills. His interests were as wide-ranging as his talents and included fishing, farming, hunting, welding, landscaping, horse racing, auto repair, and working the land he loved.

A man of many skills, Billy could fix, build, or figure out just about anything. Alongside his brother-in-law, Jimmie, he was well known throughout the community for their lawn care business and the B&J Fish Market. Billy had a generous heart and found joy in helping others whenever he could.

Billy also had a lifelong love for horses and spent many years working at the Pinehurst Racetrack as a trainer of standardbred horses—work that brought him great pride and fulfillment.

Billy leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter, hard work, and faith. He will be deeply missed by his family and the countless friends whose lives he touched.

Those left to cherish his memory include his devoted companion of many years, Elizabeth Jackson; one sister, Barbara Brower of Pinehurst, NC; one niece, Jennifer Bates of Houston, TX; one nephew, Roderick Brower of Pinehurst, NC; one great-niece, Alexia Bates of Houston, TX; one great-nephew, Ryan Bates of Houston, TX; two godsons, Warren Wakefall of Rockingham, NC and Vernon Washington of Hoffman NC; one goddaughter, Gina Hailey of Hoffman NC, and a host of cousins, extended family, and dear friends.

Rest well in God’s loving arms, Billy!

 

“I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith.”

— 2 Timothy 4:7 (KJV)