Edward "Ray" Swiney

Edward Ray Swiney was born on April 16, 1950 in Bunker, Missouri to Edward and Delma (Williams) Swiney. He grew up in the Bunker/Salem area and graduated with the Class of 1968 from Salem High School. During his freshman year, Ray met the love of his life, Evelyn Mae Nickles and on August 16, 1968 they were united in marriage. Ray and Evelyn shared nearly fifty-three years of memories together. He was a hard worker and devoted husband. During his working years, Ray was employed with Craigs for several years before working with Glenn Boyles at Mid-West Auto selling car parts. Ray retired in 1978 after his health no longer allowed him to work. He was a people person, always talking, and never met a stranger. Ray loved working with his hands and tinkered around in auto mechanics. He was talented in woodworking and leather. Ray enjoyed country and bluegrass music and playing his base guitar. He was an avid outdoorsman who liked to quail hunt, train his dogs, and ride horses. Ray was one of a kind and lived life to the fullest. Ray departed this life on July 7, 2021 at his home in Salem, Missouri at the age of seventy-one years. He leaves behind to cherish his memories, his loving wife Evelyn Swiney of the home; sisters: Mary Stringer and husband Tom of Salem, MO and Elizabeth Pettus and husband Tim of Salem, MO; brother: Steven Swiney and wife Janet of Salem, MO; sisters-in-law: Barbara Nickles of Steelville, MO, Christine Fields and husband Alton of Hillsboro, MO, Lily Fields and husband Bob of Hillsboro, MO, and Sally Oestreich of Indiana; brothers-in-law: Jim Nickles and wife Sherry of Salem, MO, Ron Nickles and wife Wanda of Salem, MO, and Steve Nickles and wife Pat of Springfield, MO; as well as a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends. Preceding him in death, his father: Edward "Dick" Swiney; mother and stepfather: Delma and Elvin Smith; siblings: Janice Coffman and Jim Smith; brothers-in-law: Kenny Nickles and Fred Oestreich; and nephews: Greg Stringer, Billy Nickles Sr.; and great-nephew: Billy Nickles Jr. Ray will be remembered for his true character, kind nature, and good heart. He will be forever missed by all who knew and loved him. Funeral Services for Edward Ray Swiney were held Sunday, July 11, 2021 in the Wilson Mortuary Salem Chapel with Steve Nickles officiating. Song selections played were “I Know Who Holds Tomorrow”, “Far Side Banks Of Jordan”, and “How Great Thou Art”. Serving as Pallbearers were Jim Nickles, Ron Nickles, Steve Nickles, Jesse Nickles, Cody Nickles, and Mike Pettus. Burial was in the Mt. Hermon Cemetery. Arrangements were under the direction of Wilson Mortuary of Salem, Missouri. Memorial Contributions may be made in memory of Ray Swiney to St. Jude Children’s Hospital and left at Wilson Mortuary. Online Condolences may be entered at www.wilsonmortuary.com

Edward "Ray" Swiney

April 16, 1950 - July 7, 2021