Leon Albert Swilley

Leon Albert Swilley, 88, of Valdosta, died peacefully on Saturday, November 30, 2024, surrounded by his family. He was born in Lowndes County on May 6, 1936, to the late Leon Alphonso and Opal Newsom Swilley and has been a lifelong resident of this area. Upon graduating from Lake Park High School, where he served as president of the school FFA, he served in the United States Army and later worked for Owens-Illinois for 20 years and retired as a Lab Technician. He was also a self-employed farmer and was known throughout his community for his gentle smiles and kindness to others. Mr. Swilley was member of the Abundant Life Church of God. 

He is survived by his children and their spouses, Letitia Ibarra of Lake Park, Andrea Hopper of Adel, Lori and Jim Bennett of Valdosta, and Al and Lori Swilley of Valdosta; his grandchildren, Chelsea Ibarra of Valdosta, Chase and Kelsie Ibarra of Dothan, Alabama, Alexandrea and Seth Weldon of Hahira, Joseph Hopper and Israel Hopper both of Adel, Austin Bennett of Macon, Sam Bennett and Cole Bennett both of Valdosta, Kathryn Swilley of Valdosta, Serena Swilley of Valdosta; great-grandchildren, Lilly Weldon and Olivia Weldon; a daughter-in-love and her spouse, Peggy and Larry Benton of Morven, and his sister, Jean Benton of Thomasville. He was preceded by his wife, Serena Edna Benton Swilley, a brother-in-law, Edward Benton, and his son-in-law, Herb Hopper.

Services for Leon Albert Swilley will be held at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, December 4, 2024, at the Abundant Life Church of God with Rev. Wayne Hughes officiating. The burial will follow in the Swilley Hill Cemetery. The family will receive friends on Tuesday evening from 5-7 p.m. at the Carson McLane Funeral Home. Condolences to the family may be conveyed online at www.mclanecares.com. Carson McLane.