Willis Carroll Swicord

July 2, 2017

Willis Carroll Swicord, CMSgt, USAF (retired), passed away on July 2, 2017, at his home in Tallahassee. Fla., with his wife of 50 years at his side. He was born on March 4, 1946, in Bainbridge, Decatur County, Georgia to the late James Willis and Eris Vernette Jones Swicord. He grew up in Climax, Ga. and graduated from Climax High School in 1965. He married Gail Sadler of Concord, Fla. on August 26, 1966.

Willis served in the US Air Force for 23 years from August 31, 1967 – August 31, 1990. His specialty was aircraft armament and nuclear weapons. His tour of duty included Amarillo AFB, Amarillo TX; Lowry AFB, Denver CO; Davis-Monthan AFB, Tucson AZ; Udor AFB, Thailand; Hurlbert Field, Egin AFB, Fort Walton Beach, FL; Korat AFB, Thailand; Nellis AFB, Las Vegas, NV; Homestead AFB, Homestead, FL; Clark AFB, Philippines; Tyndall AFB, Panama City, FL; Anderson AFB, Guam; and Kirkland AFB, Albuquerque, NM.

CMSgt Swicord was awarded with numerous decorations, medals, badges, citations and campaign ribbons during his years of service. Recognitions include: Meritorios Service Medal with two Oak Leaf Clusters; Distinguished President Unit Citation; AF Outstanding Unit Award with Valor and two Oak Leaf Clusters; AF Good Conduct Medal with one silver and one bronze Oak Leaf Cluster; National Defense Service Medal; Vietnam Service Medal with one Silver Service Star; Short Tour Ribbon with one Oak Leaf Cluster; AF Overseas Long Tour Ribbon with one Oak Leaf Cluster; AF Longevity Service Award ribbon with four Oak Leaf Clusters; NCO PME Graduate Ribbon with one Oak Leaf Cluster; Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon with one star; AF Training Ribbon; Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm; Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal; and Master Aircraft and Munitions Maintenance Badge.

Willis received a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from University of Maryland in August 1986.

After retiring from the USAF in 1990, Willis and his family relocated to Tallahassee, where he was employed with the State of Florida Department of Labor and Department of Revenue from 1991-2006. He received a Distinguished Service Award for his 15 years of service.

Willis is survived by his wife, Gail Sadler Swicord of Tallahassee; son, Willis (Will) Carroll Swicord, Jr. (wife Nicole) of Indialantic, Fla. and many other family and friends.

A special service was held on June 30^th by the Big Bend Hospice Valor Team to honor CMSgt Swicord for his service to his country with presentation of a certificate, honorary veteran pin, Leon County Veteran honorary coin, a US flag and a red, white and blue afghan. Special music was provided by the music therapist from Big Bend Hospice including God Bless America, God Bless the USA, and The USAF Song. Immediate family members were present for this special service and joined the music therapist in singing a few of Willis’s favorite songs.

Faith Funeral Home and Crematory of Havana, Fla. is assisting the family. Private interment will be held at Cedar Grove Cemetery in Climax. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in honor of Willis to Concordia Baptist Church, 4098 Concord Road, Havana, FL 32333 or Big Bend Hospice, 1723 Mahan Center Blvd, Tallahassee, FL 32308.