Thomas Allen Swindal

Thomas Allen "Tommy" "Big Pops" Swindal passed away November 8, 2024 at the age of 74. He was born August 8, 1950 to the late Robert Allen and Verna G. Swindal. 

He was preceded in death by his daughter, Donna Nickles; brother, George Stanley Swindal and sister, Wanda G. Lewis.

A proud graduate of Dallas County High School, class of 1968, Tommy embraced life with fervor. His adventurous spirit led him to serve his country faithfully in the U.S. Army, where he played an instrumental role as a top-secret cryptographer during a tour in Vietnam. This chapter of his life instilled a profound sense of duty and resilience that would shine brightly throughout his subsequent years.

For over two decades, Thomas thrived as a territory sales manager for Selma Bolt / Store Room Fasteners, where his charismatic personality lit up every room he entered. He had a unique gift for making everyone around him laugh, a talent that often stemmed from his unapologetic candor and welcomeness. Friends and colleagues cherished his ability to share a joke or a clever quip, turning even the most mundane moments into memories filled with joy.

An avid Auburn fan, Tommy wore his team colors with pride. He found great pleasure in hunting, often taking to the woods with his beloved hound dogs, chasing rabbits and small game. His enthusiasm for life extended to the baseball diamond, where he played and coached men's softball, fostering not just competition but friendships through church leagues and community gatherings.

Cooking and entertaining were two of his greatest joys. Thomas welcomed friends and family to his home, where laughter rang out amid the aromas of delicious meals crafted with love. He was proud of his large family, taking immense joy in their gatherings, creating a tapestry of shared experiences that will resonate in their hearts forever.

He is survived by his wife of 39 years, Lynn Swindal; daughters, Wendy (Chris) Smith and Tammy Headley; sons, Bucky (Dana) Barrett and Thomas Swindal, Jr.; sixteen grandchildren; sixteen great-grandchildren; sister, Linda S. Roberts and son-in-law, Wayne Nickles.

Visitation will be Sunday, November 10, 2024 from 3:00-5:00 p.m. at Lawrence Brown-Service Funeral Home of Selma. Graveside services will be Monday, November 11, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. at Payne's Chapel Cemetery in Sprott.

Pallbearers will be Chris Smith, George Riley, Sam Roberts, Earl Irwin, Royce Riley, Jr. and Billy Perry. Honorary pallbearers will be Bill Paulk, Sr., Kenny King, Fred Nichols, Gerald Nichols, Kenny Rhodes, Jimmy Robitaille and Walter Aaron.

The family will accept flowers, or you may consider making memorial donations in his name to Tunnels to Towers Foundation at dogood.t2t.org