James T. "Birdie" Swann, Sr., 74, of Benton, TN passed away Thursday, February 1, 2018 at a Chattanooga hospital. He retired from Massengill Tire, loved yard work but especially loved spending time with his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Viola Russell Swann; step-son, David C. Russell; parents, Joseph and Elsie Holland Swann; sisters, Clarene Moats, Ellen Swann, Pauline (Polly) Skelton, Bobbie Grisham, Doris (Dot) Lowe, Mamie Josephine Hicks; brother, Donald Swann.

He is survived by his children, Tommy (Tammy) Swann, Carl (Debbie) Russell, Tammy (Ricky) Johnson all of Benton and Pamela (Frankie) Shields of Cleveland; grandchildren,Wendy Thomas, Carey Russell, David Perian, Amy Carruth, Tiffany Baily, John Shields, Jason Shields, Haley Swann, Tanner Swann, Joey Johnson, William Johnson; 15 great grandchildren; sisters, Lois Prince, Beatrice (Melvin) Hicks, Becky Bain, Cleo Swann, Sue McFarland. Several nieces, nephews and extended family also survive.

Funeral services will be conducted at 2:00 p.m. Monday, February 5, 2018 at Higgins Funeral Home in Benton, TN with the Reverend Carl Haulk officiating. Interment will follow in Benton Memorial Gardens. A white dove release ceremony will conclude the service.

The family will receive friends from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. Sunday, February 4, 2018 at Higgins Funeral Home.

Serving as pallbearers will be Tanner Swann, Keegan Ingram, Seth Farmer, Dakota Williams, Wesley Cronan and Garrett Moats.

We invite you to send a message of condolence and view the Swann family guestbook at www.higginsfuneral.com.