Michael Dale Swaim

Michael Dale Swaim, better known as “Punkin” to those who knew and loved him, passed away at the Mountain Valley Hospice Home in Yadkinville Saturday, September 2, 2023. Punkin was born April 19, 1948 to the late Leroy and Lois G. Swaim.  In addition to his parents, Punkin is now at rest with his one sister, Betty Ruth Mastin, and two brothers, Roger Lee “Bud” Swaim and Roy Gray “Pete” Swaim.  He is survived by his nephews Jody Swaim and wife Tonya, Keith Mastin and wife Lori and Chris Mastin and wife Summer.  He had the privilege of being a great-uncle to three great-nephews and a great-niece, Devin Swaim, Matthew Mastin, Kayla Mastin and Chance Mastin and recently became a great-great-uncle to Marty Mastin.  He was also blessed with several special cousins, friends and neighbors. Punkin was a one-of-a-kind, quick-witted individual who led a life with many interests and accomplishments.  He was a member of Dennyville Baptist Church and attended there most of his life.  He loved his family and was a dedicated caregiver to his mother during her twilight years.  He was also very fond of his dogs and devoted much attention to several special 4-legged friends throughout the years including Sam, Twiggy, Shorty and Millie.  He was a veteran of the US Army serving in Germany during the Vietnam War and received accolades for his marksmanship abilities.   In his earlier years, he enjoyed horseback riding, a hobby made special because he shared this pleasure with his brother Pete.  During his twenties, he became intrigued by martial arts and earned his brown belt in karate, traveling to Boone to train and compete.  Punkin was a loyal employee in the workforce for many, many years investing his time and talent in local factories as a seasoned machinist and finally retiring while at John S. Barnes. Watching television was one of his pastimes with his favorites including old westerns, NASCAR Racing and Ultimate Fighting Championship matches.  Punkin was also a regular at the Hamptonville BP, often found taking it easy, shooting the breeze and sharing his opinion, which he didn’t mind doing, with fellow compadres and customers who drifted in and out of the store.  He was an ardent admirer of Mountain Dews and in the last few years developed a fondness for oatmeal cakes and honey buns. A celebration of life service will be held at 12 p.m. on Monday, September 4, 2023 at Dennyville Baptist Church with clergyman Joel Riley officiating.  Interment will follow in the church cemetery with military honors by the NC national guard and VFW Post 10346.  A viewing will be held prior to the service from 11:00 to 11:45 a.m.  Flowers will be accepted or memorial contributions may be made to Dennyville Baptist Church, 2713 Old Highway 60, Ronda, NC 28670. The family would like to express their gratitude to all those who participated in Punkin’s care including Margie Elledge, Barbara Casstevens and the rest of the staff at Pruitt Health, the Hugh Chatham Memorial Hospital ICU Unit, the staff at Mountain Valley Hospice Home in Yadkinville and special cousin, Kathy Gray. Punkin was a unique, one and only who was cherished by his family and friends and will be dearly missed.  The family requests that you continue to uplift them in prayer as they walk through the transition of Punkin’s departure from this life into the arms of God. Michael Dale “Punkin” Swaim – Resting in His Peace. Gentry Family Funeral Service in Yadkinville is serving the Swaim family.