Resolution of Respect, published in The Banner of Love, June 2003
“For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is now at hand. I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love His appearing.” Second Timothy 4:6/8
Elder Jerry Russell Swindell was born on January 24, 1931 in Atoka, Okla.
He was married to Nadine Jackson on April 9, 1955. To this union was born one
son and three daughters. Brother Swindell served in the U.S. Air Force for 20
years and retired in 1973. During his career in the Air Force he served
stateside in Spokane, WA, Salina, KS, and Biloxi, MS. He also served overseas in
England, France and Thailand. Brother Swindell was a resident of Boyd, TX for 30
years.
Brother Swindell was liberated to
preach the Gospel of our Saviour Jesus Christ by Lone Star Primitive Baptist
Church near Decatur, TX on September 28, 1969 and was ordained a minister of the
Primitive Baptist Church by Liberty Hill Primitive Baptist Church in Wise
County, TX on January 11, 1970. During his life he pastored several Primitive
Baptist Churches including churches in Wise County, TX, Farmersville, TX,
Stephenville, TX, and Ft. Worth, TX. Elder
Swindell preached the gospel of Jesus Christ in churches throughout the country.
Elder and Sister Swindell moved their church membership to
Indian Oaks Primitive Baptist Church in Ft. Worth, TX on June 22, 1997. He was a
good and faithful member of Indian Oaks until the time of his passing.
He preached many sermons to the congregation and members today still
remember and talk of the last sermon he preached at our church.
Elder Swindell had back surgery in October of 1997 and from that time
until his passing his health continually deteriorated. Still
the dear Elder continued to come to church and as the pain increased he failed
not to fill his place in the church. He
was continually an inspiration to the membership and especially to his pastor.
When his health worsened to the point that he could not come to church
many times the church would go to him and sing the songs of Zion to him and pray
for him. His eyes always told us of
his enjoyment.
His wife and his family were a
continuing source of help to him. Many countless hours were spent by his wife and family seeing
to his needs at home and in the hospital. In the early morning hours of October
15, 2002, on a beautiful star lit night, the Lord said unto the dear servant,
“My child it is enough. The pain
and suffering is over. Come home and join the angels in singing praise to me
forever more. You have fought a good fight. You have kept the faith.
The time for your departure is now at hand. It is time to come home”.
In peace and quiet, the dear servant closed his eyes, breathed his last and his
soul and spirit went home.
Many of the sermons that Elder
Swindell preached were on the greatness and mercy of God.
On most occasions he would speak of His love for his savior and the
desire he had one day to see Him face to face.
On that beautiful night Elder Swindell’s desire became a reality.
He saw his savior for himself and not another.
He now sings the songs of love and praise to His Lord in perfection. And
now he awaits as the saints of the ages, the day when the Lord will descend from
heaven and raise His children in perfection to meet Him in the air and so shall
we ever be with the Lord, We miss the dear servant but would not wish him back
in his frail condition. The memories that now flood our souls are of his time of
good health and vigor and not his last days.
Elder Swindell is survived by his
wife, Sister Nadine Swindell, a son, Jerry L. Swindell and wife Carolyn of
Paradise, TX, three daughters, Cathy Hendricks of Hardin, TX, Patricia Almonrode
of North Richland Hills, TX, and Cynthia Foster and husband Don of Denton, TX,
his mother, Edith Swindell of Bridgeport, TX, nine grandchildren and one
great-grand child. To all of the
family on behalf of Indian Oaks Primitive Baptist Church, we offer our sincere
condolences and our promise to help in all ways possible and our promise to pray
for you continuously.
Sincerely,
Indian Oaks Primitive Baptist Church
Elder Larry Webb-Pastor