Isaac David “Ike” Swimmer, 88, of Cherokee, went home to be with the Lord on May 12, 2014 with his loving family at his side.
He was the loving son to his mother Grace Swimmer who preceded him in death along with a son, David P. Swimmer; grandson, Tsa-ni Youngdeer; great-grand son, Caden Jayce Lossie and a loving pet “Girl Baby”.
It was said that Ike lived a simple and humble life here in Cherokee working during his life as a farmer, Logger and caver craftsman for the Qualla Arts and Crafts Co-op. He worked for the Whitetrees Craft Shop and as a night watchman for the Historical Association and before he retired he worked as a lumberman for the Monteith’s Lumber Company. He was a loved man as agreed by one of the great grandchildren – whose own handwriting simple said, “I love my great-grandpa, God Bless”, found written on the back of one of the papers containing some obituary information.
He is survived by his loving wife Dorothy “Bootsie” (Powell) Swimmer; three sons, Ben Swimmer, Juggie Swimmer and Dean Swimmer and wife Lola all of Cherokee; five daughters, Bobbie George and husband Russell, Anita Thompson and husband Wilson, Bonnie Youngdeer and husband Barney all of Cherokee, Kina Swimmer of Black Mountain, Dinah and Jerry Melton of Tennessee; 10 Grandchildren, Obie, Curtis, Gracie, Josh, Ada, Ashley, Noah, Johnny, Homer and Bam-Bam; 13 Great grandchildren, Isaiah, Aaliyah, Richard, Sateva, Slevin, Colby, Dragon, Addison, Kylond, Addi, Calvin, JP and Butterbean; Special friends, Susie Haynes and husband Bill and Marion Thompson.
The funeral service was held on Friday, May 16 at Long House Funeral Home starting at 11 am. Burial followed at the Ike Swimmer Cemetery with Pall Bearers: Homer, Johnny Thompson, Josh Swimmer, Obie Swimmer and Jerry Maney.
Long House Funeral Home assisted the family with arrangements.