Chalmer Lee Swanigan

Chalmer Lee Swanigan was born on July 26, 1943 at the family home located north of Fargo, Arkansas to Bracher Swanigan Sr. and Katie Lumpkin-Swanigan. He was birthed by his grandmother Melissa Swanigan, who served as the midwife.

He was reared in a Christian home, and professed Christ as his Savior at an early age. He was a lifelong member of Union Baptist Church in Fargo, Arkansas.

Chalmer received his education through the Marion Anderson School, which was where black students matriculated in Brinkley, Arkansas at that time.

A strong work ethic was instilled into Chalmer at a young age, and he was a hard worker all of his working life. He began his employment journey at Lew Sorrells Cotton Gin in Brinkley, Arkansas. He later began to work for the Cotton Belt Rail Road Company (Currently Union Pacific) out of Pine Bluff Arkansas. He would work for the railroad for the next 27 years, eventually working his way up to Supervisor, before an injury forced him into retirement. He also was a self-employed farmer for several years, farming his own land. He was also a self-employed excavator, doing various jobs around the area, but most commonly digging graves around the eastern Arkansas area.

Chalmer was previously married to Evalina McMillion of Brinkley, Arkansas, and later Alice Stovall of Cotton Plant, Arkansas.

In 1996 Chalmer met Ledora Ginger of Cotton Plant, Arkansas, and the pair would instantly form a bond. The couple would wed in 2002, and would remain united in Holy Matrimony until his passing.

“Slim” or “Po Slim” as he was affectionately called through the years, was an all-around type of guy who never met strangers. He enjoyed hanging out with friends and family. He was known for hosting fish fries, cookouts, and he was known for giving his annual “Mother’s Day Dinner”. “Slim” also enjoyed the simple pleasures of life, such as fishing, hunting, shooting pool, sitting on his porch, raising dogs (especially German Shepherds and Rottweilers), listening to music, and working. He was an avid basketball fan, in particular the Arkansas Razorbacks. Another past-time he enjoyed was watching “American Idol” on tv, judging various contestants for himself.

On April 3, 2023, Chalmer’s body grew weary. God answered Chalmer’s plea for liberation and He reached down to Baptist Hospital in Little Rock, Arkansas and released Chalmer’s soul from earthly labor. Awaiting his arrival to Heaven were his grandparents, Major & Melissa Swanigan, parents Bracher & Katie Swanigan, grandson Thomas “Yoda” Baker Jr., great grandson Braylon Swanigan, brothers Oleather, Otha, Calvin, Cecil, & Bracher Jr., and a sister Priscella Swanigan.

His memories will remain in the hearts of those who will continue to love him, his wife Ledora Swanigan of Brinkley, AR, his children Alfred (Kim) McMillion of Pine Bluff, AR, Delector (Terrie) Swanigan of Jacksonville, FL, Gene (Angie Pye) Swanigan of Arlington, TX, Jimmy (Kim) Swanigan of Corona, CA, Kevin (Cynthia) Conway of Stuttgart, AR, Ellious (Sheila) Swanigan & Torrence (Demetria) Chunn both of Cypress, TX, Cameron Swanigan of Brinkley, AR, and Christopher (Tracie) Stovall of Little Rock, AR, Rosalind Leon, Vanetta “Kitty” Turner, and Tammy Swanigan all of Brinkley, AR, Cassandra “Kay” Briggs of Texarkana, TX, Kim (Lewatis) McNeal of Pickerington, OH, Glinda (Arthur) Mauldin of Birmingham, AL, and Sheila Stovall of Scott, AR, brothers Cleveland Swanigan of Benton Harbor, MI, and John (Sharon) Swanigan of Hephzibah, GA, sisters Darthulia “Dot” Young, Vester Eckwood, Debra (Thomas) Brunson, and Melissa Swanigan all of Brinkley, AR, Ella (Bobby) Brown, and Glendora (Wesley) Caldwell both of Benton Harbor, MI, 31 grandchildren, 36 great-grandchildren, and 2 great-great grandchildren, and a host of nieces, nephews, in-laws, cousins, and friends.

Funeral service will be held on April 8, 2023 at 11 am, at Mt. Of Olives Ministries in Brinkley. Burial at Macedonia Cemetery in Fargo, Arkansas by Branscumb Funeral Home of Brinkley. “The assurance of respect, and the commitment of service…” (870) 734-2772.