Fred A. Swinton

Fred Arnold Swinton was born on April 14, 1949, in Camp Hood, Texas to Buddie and Lillie Swinton. Fred is the second oldest of 9 children. Fred graduated to Heaven on May 8, 2026. Preceding him in death are his parents Buddie and Lillie Swinton and his brother Epps Swinton.

Fred graduated from Central High School in 1967. After his high school graduation, he signed up and joined the US Army and served 3-years during the Vietnam era. In honor of his brave service during the Vietnam War in September 2009, Fred received the Vietnam Service Medal, the Vietnam Campaign Medal, and the National Defense Medal. Fred was a member of the National Association of Black Veterans (NABVET) assisting veterans with their needs.

Fred never married or had any biological children. He assisted in raising Gabby. When he met Gabby’s biological father, he learned that his military unit relieved Gabby’s father’s military unit in Vietnam. He loved Gabby and her children.

After his military service he worked for Ford Motor Company, the Union Pacific Railroad and later became a self-employed over the road truck driver.

Fred went to the school of broadcasting and became a DJ known as “Freddy Black”. He was a self-taught bass guitarist. He went to pilot school and also attended Seminary School.

Fred loved sports and enjoyed watching the Kansas City Chiefs, the Kansas City Royals, many NBA teams and the Olympics.

Fred leaves to cherish his memory his siblings, Charles Swinton (Michelle), Ronald Swinton (Paula), Annette Rhodeman (Paul), Collette Dooley (Troy), Michelle Sulewsky (Daniel), Jonathan Swinton (Kimberly), and Christopher Swinton (Noelle), his uncle, T. M. Snow, nieces, nephews, and a host of other family members and friends.