Frankie Swindell Sr, 76, of Kinston passed away, Monday August 30, 2021. He lived all his life in Kinston. Frankie grew up in the “mill village”. Frankie and his brothers enjoyed sharing stories with their children and grandchildren about their hard life growing up. Life was difficult, but they could always find fun and laughter in their tight-knit community.

He married his wife, Patricia of 55 years, in 1965, and then served his country in the Army during the war in Vietnam. Frankie then returned to Kinston and began a lifetime of work in the textile industry.

He was a faithful member of The Way Church and a devoted husband, father, and Papa. He never missed a baseball game, tennis match or any other sporting event that his children and grandchildren were playing. Frankie was an avid surf fisherman and often the only one who could catch a fish. He was loved by all and will be remembered for his “dad humor”, laughter, and gentle and unassuming nature.

Frankie is preceded in death by his parents, Arleigh and Lavaner Swindell; brothers, Dallas Swindell, and wife Patsy, Charles Swindell, and wife Joyce.

He is survived by his wife, Patricia McDaniel Swindell; daughter, Stacie Swindell Carter, and husband Lawrence; son, Frankie G. Swindell Jr. and wife Rebecca, grandchildren; Brandon Tripp, Sidney Swindell, Shane Swindell, Susannah Swindell, and lifelong friend Jimmy Rouse.

Visitation will be 1:00 pm Friday, September 3, 2021, at The Way Church, 1205 Lynn Drive Kinston, NC 28501 with funeral service at 2:00 pm and burial to follow at Westview Cemetery with Military Rites.

Howard-Carter Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. On-line condolences may be sent to howardandcarter.com.