Swift

Dr. Leroy V. Swift Jr. was born Aug. 11, 1936, to his parents, Leroy Swift Sr. and Juanita Long-Swift.

He went on to be with the Lord on Sept. 5, 2024, at the age of 88.

His mothe r Juanita Swift, father Leroy Swift Sr., daughter Cheryl Swift, sister Rosa Lundy, and brother Edgar Swift, preceded him in death.

He was raised in the back woods of Gause in a community affectionately known as Two-Mile, where he gave his life to Christ at an early age.

His grandfather, Augusta Long, was a deacon, superintendent and a teacher of the Word at Mt. Tabor Baptist Church, and was a great influence in his spiritual life, which encouraged him to grow up to be just like his grandfather.

Dr. Swift graduated from Wheatly High School in Houston at the age of 17.

Shortly after graduation he enlisted in the U.S. Army, where his career in law enforcement began as a military police officer at Fort Riley, Kansas, and a highspeed (Morse code) radio operator. In the military he served throughout Germany for several years.

After leaving the military, he joined the Kansas City, Missouri, Police Department in 1958, where he was an advocate for the rights and due privileges of underserved officers. Throughout the 1950s and 60s there was no equal opportunity for black police officers, but he managed to move up the ranks quickly.

To be a catalyst for change in the inequities that were faced by Blacks within the police organization and throughout the community, Dr. Swift became one of the founding members of the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives, a public service organization at the forefront of providing solutions to law enforcement issues and concerns, as well as to the ever-changing needs of African-American communities, with 57 chapters in the United States, one in St. Kitts & Nevis and one in the United Kingdom.

He was a founding and charter member of the National Association of Police Community Relations Officers (NAPCRO), and is a life member of the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP).

During this time, Dr. Swift received his associate of art degree and bachelor of science from the University of Missouri in Kansas City (UMKC), and master of science degree in Criminal Justice Administration from the University of Central Missouri (formerly CMSU).

In 1975 he was led by the Holy Spirit to leave Kansas City, Missouri, and return to his hometown in Gause to his spiritual roots. And after 27 years of service on the Kansas City, Missouri, Police Department, he retired as Deputy Chief of Police.

After a few years, he returned to work as the Chief of Police of the Austin Parks Department, where he remained for 10 years.

God had other plans for Dr. Swift and he was obedient. He wanted to get a better understanding of the Word, so he attended ITGW and in 2003 he received his master’s in biblical study. He continued his education through ITGW and received a doctorate of ministry in Christian counseling (2005), doctorate of divinity in philosophy (2008), and a PhD in clinical pastoral counseling (2013). He also became a professor at ITGW.

Dr. Leroy Swift was also called to become the pastor of Mount Tabor Baptist Church, where he attended as a child. He had well equipped himself by going to school to get a better understanding of God’s Word and was obedient to the assignment he was given.

He leaves behind his wife, Margie Swift; and four children, Renee Ryan, Matthew Swift, Darrylyn Swift and Duane Swift (Cardia).

Leroy, also leaves to cherish his memories: seven sisters, Betty Cornwell, Jessie Cooperwood, Carol Crawford, Ruth Shepard, Marion Ware, Janice Shipp-Moore and Tracy Berry; five brothers, Bennie Swift, Stacy Hughes, Mark Hughes, Troy Hughes and Jason Hughes.

He also leaves a host of grandchildren, nieces and nephews—whom he affectionately referred to as his “babies”—relatives and friends.

Services will be 11 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 14, at New Jerusalem Interdenominational Church, 103 Mulberry St., in Rockdale, with Dr. Dennis Brooks officiating.

The family will receive visitors prior to the service from 10 to 11 a.m. at the church.

Burial will follow at Long Family Cemetery, 1649 CR 355 Loop, in Gause.