John Emert Swafford, Jr., age 83, of Hixson, Tennessee passed away Tuesday, August 4, 2026 peacefully at home with his family by his side. John was preceded in death by his loving wife of fifty-six years, Wanda Sue Swafford; parents, John Emert and Lottie Mae Fields Swafford, Sr.John is survived by his son, John Bryant Swafford, sisters, Margie Smith, Huntsville, Alabama and Jane Mills, Pikeville, Tennessee; service dog and best friend, Hettie Lee Swafford; cousins; and a host of friends. A celebration of life with military honors will be held at 3:00pm CDT Monday, August 10, 2026 in the Pikeville Funeral Home Chapel with Minister David Smith officiating. The family will receive friends 1:00pm CDT until service time Monday at Pikeville Funeral Home. Pikeville Funeral Home was entrusted with arrangements.