David Wilborn Swaim, 69, of Salisbury, died peacefully at home on April 1, 2026.
Born August 25, 1956 in Asheboro, NC, he was the son of the late Elinor Henderson Swaim and Wilborn Sink Swaim.
He graduated from Woodberry Forest High School Class of 1974 and from Davidson College in 1978. He worked for Carolina Beverage Corporation/Cheerwine and truly loved his job.
He was an Eagle Scout, a lifelong member of First Presbyterian Church, and a charter member of Rowan Rotary. He was involved with Communities In Schools and served on the Rowan Public Library Foundation Board.
David was a master of the grill, a man whose favorite pastime was bushhogging, and the only person to ever actually enjoy standing in line at the DMV. He could answer any question and repair just about anything. He was patient, generous, methodical, and kind. He was stubborn, but that came alongside a fierce determination to power through any challenge that was thrown his way. He never complained and found a way to be happy no matter where he was, but he was most content outdoors. He enjoyed golfing, camping, and being on the river.
David was unbelievably selfless and he spent his life doing things for others. He loved people; he was curious, thoughtful, and a great listener. He was easy to be around, and it was impossible not to get along with him. His calm, quiet nature provided balance to the lives of those around him. David was the kind of person that doesn’t take up space or draw attention to himself, yet a room feels empty without his presence.
He was loved deeply by everyone in his life. David adored his family and the time he got to spend with them. His joy came from being around those he loved. Those of us that were lucky enough to know and love him will miss him terribly.
Left to cherish his memory are his wife, Marianna Hampton Swaim, whom he married May 12, 1984; daughters, Allison Charlotte Swaim of Durham, NC and Devereaux Hunter (Alex) of Shelby, NC; son, Ian Swaim (Brooke) of Foxfire, NC; sister, Moffett Churn (Ted) of Catonsville, MD; brother, Doug Swaim (Kathy Brown) of Little Switzerland, NC; and grandson, Hampton Lee Swaim.
A memorial service will be conducted at 10 a.m. Wednesday (April 8) at First Presbyterian Church of Salisbury. A reception will follow the service.
Memorials may be made to the Elinor Henderson Swaim Endowment at Rowan County Public Library or to Rowan Helping Ministries. If you have memories or stories of David to share, the family would love to hear them – please contact Allison at allison.swaim@gmail.com or 704-647-1479.
Summersett Funeral Home is serving the Swaim family. Online condolences may be made at www.summersettfuneralhome.com.