Edward Lee Swinton

Edward Lee Swinton, fondly known as "E D" to those who knew him well, entered this world on September 9, 1949, the third of eight sons born to the late Collington and Ila Mae Swinton, of Mullis, South Carolina. His was also preceded in death by three brothers James Collington Swinton, Leroy Swinton, and Donald Lee Swinton.

He was educated in the York County Public School System.  On April 15, 1969, Edward enlisted in the United States Army.  He was a devoted and dedicated man, he was a Vietnam Veteran and retired from the Army after twenty years of service.   

Edward's life was a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the warmth of a kind soul. He spent his years in many places but found his home in Newport News, Virginia, where he resided for over two decades. His journey in life, much like the transition of seasons, was filled with moments of joy, growth, and renewal.

Edward's life was an embodiment of the words of Albert Einstein, "Strive not to be a success, but rather to be of value." He dedicated his life to being useful, helpful, and kind, qualities that were echoed in his professional life until his retirement. Edward was the sort of person who believed in making a difference in the lives of those around him. His warmth, generosity, and kindness were deeply ingrained in his character, making him a beloved figure within his community. 

Edward will always be remembered for his humor, wit, and boundless compassion. As we celebrate his life, we are reminded of the words of Emily Dickinson, "Unable are the loved to die. For love is immortality." Edward's legacy of love and kindness will continue to live on in the hearts of those who knew him. 

Edward leaves to celebrate his life and cherish his memory, his children, Mejo Swinton, Scottie Swinton, David Lee Swinton, and Wynona Stainless; twelve grandchildren, Sha’kaya, Sha’na, Joshua, Nautika, Destiney, Azianna, LaShawn, Brenton, Teyvone, Tyshanda, Xavier, Kalisha; four brothers-in-law and four sisters-in-law, Robert "Bobby" Eugene Swinton (Niecy), Levence "Bimp" Swinton (Joyce), Ricky Carlton Swinton (Roslyn) and Randy Marvin Swinton (Cheryl); and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives, and friends.

A service to celebrate Edward's life will be held at 10:00 a.m. Thursday, March 19, 2026, at. Whiting's Funeral Home.  Interment will be at a later date at Albert G. Horton Jr. Memorial Veterans Cemetery.

We encourage those who knew Edward to leave memories and upload photos to his memorial page. His life was a beautiful story told through the relationships he nurtured, and each shared memory or photograph will further honor and celebrate his remarkable journey.

Professional services have been entrusted to the staff of Whiting's Funeral Home, 7005 Pocahontas Trail, Williamsburg, Virginia 23185. 757-229-3011 whitingsfuneralhome.com

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Edward Lee Swinton, please visit our floral store.