Gary Swagart

Gary Frank Swagart, age 80, passed away December 29, 2021.

He was preceded in death by his mother Frances Roat; his father, Frank A. Swagart; one brother; and one sister.

Gary is survived by his wife, M. Merle Swagart; twelve children; 1 brother; 1 sister; 28 grandchildren; and 15 great grandchildren.

He was a native of Michigan and a resident of Gulfport, MS. Gary had a MS in Civil Engineering, along with numerous other certifications and degrees. He served in the military between 1966-1972 as a welder and supervisor, where he obtained the rank of SP-5 with an Honorable Discharge. He was employed with Homeland Security/FEMA, as a FEMA benefit/cost analysis for ongoing sites.

Gary received many awards and recognitions. He received two Florida Governor’s distinguished service awards, Davis Productivity Award, Swannee Wastewater System Plaque, Letter of Appreciation from EPA and many more certificates of Appreciation from numerous departments and FEMA. He also received a US Army Certificate of Achievement SP-5; self-publication of four books, Chapter 503 & 505 Florida Administration Code.

He had numerous hobbies which included engineering investigations, design, traveling, gardening, writing, spending time with family, teaching, geology, rocks, puzzles, welding, woodwork, helping others, guiding youngsters, and always getting the job done.

Gary was an amazing loving husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather. He loved the outdoors and when he found out he had cancer it broke his heart knowing that he knew he would be leaving his family behind. As Gary would say, “Havva Good’un” and “Don’t fight….. Beeee Nice”.

Riemann Family Funeral Home, Gulfport, is serving the family.