Sammie E. Swim (1925 - 2008)

A great man of faith, Sammie Swim, passed away last month. I didn't hear of this loss until I recently came across his eulogy in the Christian News of South Texas.

As his eulogy states, Sammie was a loving family man and one who was known as a talented preacher of the gospel. His love for the Lord was evident in every facet of his life. I knew Sammie, not only because of his influence in churches of Christ in South Texas and the San Antonio area, but also because he was the grandfather of my childhood best friend, Randall (Randy) Paradowski.

In elementary school, Randy and I were best friends. We spent many nights playing video games at each other's houses and we spent many hot Texas days riding our bikes or playing football outside. My family and the Paradowskis shared holiday meals together and made many memories together.

Sadly, I've lost touch with Randy. I'm sure I'll find him eventually, but I still have fond memories of those childhood years and I remember how much Randy loved his grandfather. Sammie would sometimes come to Northside Church of Christ and greet Randy and me with what he considered a tickle. I vividly remember Sammie jabbing us in the ribs with a finger, halfway making us laugh and halfway making us squirm with rib pain. It was a unique and special greeting.

Sammie's heart was full of love for God and God's people. So many people will miss him. Surely he was (and still is) a good and faithful servant.