03/27/2026
To Tom and his family, we thank y’all for your service and dedication to the department and community. We’ve got it from here. Our thoughts and prayers to the great family he leaves behind. Go rest easy, brother.
OBITUARY: “William “Tom” Thomas Swann, age 74, of Good Hope, Alabama, passed away on March 23, 2026, at 6:15 a.m.
Tom was devoted, hard-working, honest, faithful, artistic, a true jack of all trades, a leader, a go getter, and known for a unique sense of humor that stayed with him through every season of life.
Visitation will be held at Moss-Service Funeral Home, 1901 2nd Ave North West, Cullman, AL 350555827, on March 27, 2026, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Tom will lie in state at Valley View Baptist Church, 4191 Co Rd 35, Hanceville, AL 35077, on March 28, 2026, from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m., followed by a Celebration of Life from 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. A committal service will follow at Valley View Baptist Church from 3:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Tom 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 and 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, Tom stayed busy with a multitude of different jobs before eventually owning and building a successful fire extinguisher business that he ran for 10 years. He especially loved watching his grandkids play sports and took pride in being present for the moments that mattered.
Tom enjoyed working in his shop, beekeeping, drawing, fishing, Alabama football, and catching up with old friends—simple pleasures that reflected a steady, grateful spirit and a life rooted in genuine connection.
A faithful servant to his community, Tom 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, and he also made it possible and oversaw the building of Arkadelphia Park. Tom 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.
Tom’s legacy is simple and powerful: he always showed up for people. He was always ready to help those in need, no matter the day nor the hour, and he leaves behind a standard of dependability, compassion, and quiet strength that will continue to guide those who loved him.
Tom is survived by 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. Tom was preceded in death by father, Jessie Swann, and mother, Carrie Lee Swann.
The family extends heartfelt gratitude to Southern Care Hospice, with special thanks to nurses Lynsey Trussell and Madison Bennett for their loving care, and to Steton Hayes for 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.”
