Samuel Ray Swinney

Rev. Samuel Ray Swinney went home to be with the Lord on February 15, 2026. He was surrounded by his wife and family.

Rev. Swinney was born on April 8, 1946 to the late Robert Jasper Swinney and Carrie Payne Swinney. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his sisters Bonnie Swinney Sawyers, of Collinsville, Va. Helen Swinney Akers of Axton, Va., and brothers James Swinney, Glen Swinney, Charles Swinney, and Noah “Cricket” Swinney, all of Axton, Va.

He is currently survived by his loving wife of 52 years, Karen Bisel Swinney of the home; three sons, Danny Swinney (Michele) of Hertford, David R. Swinney (Hope) of Edenton, and Darrell Swinney (Susan) of Hertford; Nine grandchildren, Ruth Swinney Umphlette (Thomas), Emma Swinney, Noah Swinney, Wyatt D. Swinney Sr. (Lauralei), Destiny Swinney, Darius Swinney, Santana Swinney, Demitri Swinney, Bradley Carmichael; and two great grandsons, Wyatt D. Swinney, Jr. and Wells Swinney. Rev. Swinney is also survived by his sister Maxine Swinney Mays (Steve) of Spencer, Va. and his brother Marshall Swinney (Wanda) of Axton, Va.

Rev. Swinney was a Wesleyan pastor of 43 years in Virginia, North Carolina, and Florida, and 4 years with the United Methodist Church in North Carolina. He was a kind, gentle, patient, soft spoken Man of God. He was a very loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, friend, and pastor to many. He had a sharp wit and was known for his sense of humor. Rev. Swinney enjoyed woodworking, painting, and carpentry. He loved Jesus, his family, and chocolate, in that order. He also had a strong love for children and children’s ministry.

The family would like to thank Sentara Albemarle Hospital, Albemarle Home Care and Hospice for the care they provided to him, as well as a special thank you to Barbara Landers for the care and compassion she provided.

The family will receive friends at the home.

A Celebration of Life service will be held on Friday, February 20, 2026 at Bagley Swamp Wesleyan Church, Hertford, NC at 2:00 p.m. and will be officiated by Pastor James Spaugh. Interment will follow in the Bagley Swamp Church Cemetery. The family will greet friends in the foyer of the church from 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. prior to the service at the church.

Memorials may be made to World Hope International, Attn: Gift Processing, P.O. Box 743794, Atlanta, GA, 30374-3794.

Miller & Van Essendelft Funeral Home, 1125 Harvey Point Road, Hertford, NC is assisting the Swinney family with arrangements and online condolences may be made by visiting www.millerfhc.com