Fred M. Swaim, Sr.

Fred M. Swaim Sr., age 87, of Benton, Arkansas, peacefully passed away on April 28, 2024. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend to many. Born to the late Guy and Jewell Swaim on January 28, 1937, in Aly, Arkansas, Fred graduated from Fourche Valley High School in 1955, where he was a three-year letterman in basketball, earning the nickname "Fastbreak Fred." Shortly after graduation, he moved to Benton, beginning his career at Quality (Napa) Auto Parts as a delivery man until he was drafted in 1956.

During his seven-year service with the US Army, Fred was stationed at Fort Sill and Fort Chaffee as an artilleryman, earning an honorable discharge in June 1963 and returning to life in Benton and Quality Auto Parts. Fred's entrepreneurial spirit led him to purchase Quality Auto Parts in 1966 and eventually expand his business to three stores, two continuing to thrive under his son, daughter, and son-in-law, carrying on his legacy. He was fond of his customers and strongly believed they are what build a business.  

Winding down from his career with Napa, Fred found joy in farming and cattle, winning the Saline County Farm Family of the Year award in 1990. He cherished moments spent hunting and fishing with his children and grandchildren, creating lasting memories.

Fred was a longtime member of Northside Church of Christ in Benton. He loved his church family, community, country, and the Arkansas Razorbacks.

Fred is preceded in death by his brothers: Joe Harold, Jim Bill, Larry "Dean,” and his grandson Jared Swaim; He is survived by his loving wife of 66 years, Edith Swaim; son, Fred "Freddy" Swaim Jr. (Paula) of Benton; daughter, Cindy Beaty (Donny) of Paron, AR; grandchildren: Justin Calhoun (Rosa) of Benton and Rachelle Calhoun of Rochester, MN; great-grandsons: Morrison Seamon and Bodhi Calhoun of Benton; numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins; and his beloved dog Zoe.

Honoring Fred as pallbearers are Bill Suggs, Bruce Rich, Brian Baker, Wayne Hill, John Lowe, Travis Swaim, and Jon Dunn; with JW Mobley as an honorary pallbearer.

The family would like to extend a special thanks to the staff of Gentiva Hospice of Saline County and Pleasant Hills Senior Services for their care and treatment.

Visitation will be held at 12 p.m. on Monday, May 6, 2024, at Northside Church of Christ in Benton, with services at 1 p.m. Burial will follow at Forrest Hills Cemetery in Alexander.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Alzheimer’s Arkansas in memory of Fred M. Swaim Sr.