Thomas R. Swayze

Thomas Randolph Swayze Sr. passed away peacefully at home on Saturday February 21, 2015 at age 90. He was born on September 16, 1924 in New Orleans to Nelson Ryan Swayze and Golda Glass Swayze. He is survived by his wife of 39 years, Cornelia Huck Swayze (Corny), three son's Thomas Swayze, Jr.(Lynden), Taylor Swayze and Robert L. Swayze (Anne Provosty), four stepchildren, Walter (Wally) Gundlach (Ginger), Steven Gundlach (Peggy), Mark Gundlach (Karen) and Cornelia (Mimi) Macmurdo (Bill), 11 Grandchildren, Tom III, Robert, Jr., & Ryan Swayze, Marcelle, Johanna, Elise, Jamie, Emily, & Grace Gundlach, & Bailey & Paul Macmurdo, and dear cousin, Dorothy Rand Beatrous.
Tommy attended Tulane University, where he was a member of Kappa Alpha Order and Naval ROTC. Joining the U. S. Marine Corps during World War II, he flew F4U Corsair fighters in the Pacific Theater, including the Okinawa Aerial Battle of Japan. He flew 41 missions and was awarded 5 battle stars. He greatest sorrow was the loss of his wing man shot down by anti-aircraft fire and lost at sea. Tommy spent 11 hours searching for him without success. He was recalled during the Korean War, and served on the Air Group Commander Staff. He retired from the Marines as a highly decorated Captain after the Korean War. While always a very humble Veteran, it was the defining experience of his life.
Upon returning from the war at age 22 he served on the floor of the New Orleans Cotton Exchange until it closed in the 50's. He then began a career in real estate. He was the leading salesman, residential sales manager and vice president wherever he worked, including Gertrude Gardner, Richards & Swayze, Latter & Blum & C. J. Brown in Baton Rouge. He earned national real estate & appraisal designations of CRB, CRS, RM & GMI. He served on numerous Real Estate Boards and taught real estate throughout Louisiana. He was an avid sailor throughout most of his life. He was a member of the Pass Christian Yacht Club, & past member of the Southern Yacht Club, New Orleans Country Club, Bocage Tennis Club and City Club in Baton Rouge. After retiring, he and Cornelia moved to Ocean Springs, MS where he continued his involvement in real estate through developing, renovating, and building. In 2000 they moved to Diamondhead, MS.
Until the end, he never lost his sense of humor and thanked all who took care of him. The family would like to thank his care givers: Ken Carver, Shirley Mills and Roxanne Mercer, true angels. In lieu of flowers, donations to St. Thomas Episcopal Church would be appreciated. A memorial service will be held at St. Thomas Episcopal Church, Diamondhead, MS on Sunday, March 1 with visitation beginning at 12:30 and service at 1:30.
RIEMANN FAMILY FUNERAL HOME, 9113 Kiln Delisle Road in Pass Christian, served the family.
Tributes may be offered at www.riemannfamily.com