William “Tommy” Thomas Swann, age 74, of Good Hope, Alabama, passed away on March 23, 2026, at 6:15 a.m. Tommy will be remembered as a devoted, hard-working, honest, faithful man—artistic, a true jack of all trades, a leader and go getter—known as well for his unique sense of humor as for the steady way he showed up for others.
Tommy was a retired science teacher who taught at Dowling School, Jones Chapel, Hanceville High School, Cold Springs High School, and Wallace State Community College. Most of his teaching years were spent at Hanceville High School, where he was able to secure grants for a science lab. He was chosen to pilot the Applied Biology-Chemistry Program in Cullman County. One of his favorite experiences was completing NASA’s U.S. Space Academy in Huntsville.
In retirement, Tommy kept himself busy with a multitude of different jobs before he eventually owned and built a successful fire extinguisher business that he ran for 10 years. He especially loved watching his grandkids play sports.
Tommy enjoyed working in his shop, beekeeping, drawing, fishing, Alabama football, and catching up with old friends. He was a volunteer Fireman and an EMT, and he served as chief at Arkadelpia Fire Department for many years. As Chief, he was able to secure funds and build a new and improved firehouse. He received the Outstanding Leadership Award for Firefighters for Cullman County. He also made it possible and oversaw the building of Arkadelphia Park. Tommy was a Gideon and a devoted member of his church family. He enjoyed teaching Sunday school and Wednesday night service and was devoted to the spreading of God’s word.
He is survived by his wife, Linda Kaye Swann; children, Kelsey Ashten Stewert (William), Andrea Elise Key (Ryan), Eric Nicholas Swann (Monica), and Patrick Kiel Swann; grandchildren, Jadon, Ben, Isabella, Dallin, Mason, Zane, Blair, Jet, and Reid; great grandchild, Koepland; brothers, Perry Lynn Swann and James Spencer Swann; and sister, Gaylon Tyrone Baty. He was preceded in death by his father, Jessie Swann, and his mother, Carrie Lee Swann.
His legacy is simple and strong: he always showed up for people. Tommy was always ready to help those in need, no matter the day nor the hour.
Visitation will be held at Moss-Service Funeral Home, 1901 2nd Ave North West, Cullman, AL 350555827, on March 27, 2026, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Tommy will lie in state at Valley View Baptist Church, 4191 Co Rd 35, Hanceville, AL 35077, on March 28, 2026, from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. A Celebration of Life will follow from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m., with a Committal Service from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m.
The family extends sincere appreciation to Southern Care Hospice, with special thanks to nurses Lynsey Trussell and Madison Bennett for their loving care, and to Steton Hayes for his uplifting visits.
“How blessed we were to love and be loved by you. Your passion for teaching was felt by a whole community, but you left the most important lessons for your family. You taught us the importance of hard work and the importance of being someone others can depend on, but you also taught us the importance of living with Jesus in our hearts. Because of that we know that this is not a farewell, but a see you later. We love you and long for the day we get to see you again.”
