Robert "Bob" Kenneth Swab

 NORTH MYRTLE BEACH – Robert “Bob” Kenneth Swab, 85, passed away Tuesday, October 22, 2024 at Grand Strand Medical Center. Bob was born in Harrisburg, PA on November 15, 1938 to Robert Jacob and L. Miriam Spitler Swab. He was a 1956 graduate of John Harris High School in Pennsylvania, later earning an Engineering Associate Degree at Montgomery Junior College. 

In addition to his parents, Bob was preceded in death by his wife of 57 years, Bonnie Swab; and two sisters, Shirley S. Baumgardner (Lloyd R.) and Doris J. Waltz (Richard K.)

Surviving are his son, Bob Jr. (wife, Edye); his daughter, Susan; grandchildren, Kenny Swab (wife, Marisa), Robby Swab (wife, Meg), Ellen Burge (husband, Kyle), Andrew Rothfuss (wife, Alexa), Madeline Nelson (husband, Zach); and seven great grandchildren, Wyatt, Beck, Alden, Grayson, Callie, Renwick, and Lauren; as well as many nieces and nephews.

Bob was a volunteer Firefighter with Paxtang Fire Station - Engine Company 40 for many years, serving as chief from 1964-1967, and was Treasurer of Paxtang Burough from 1968-1982. He was an active member of the Masonic Lodge in Pennsylvania, and served in the US Army National Guard Reserve. 

He then devoted his engineering interest to his main career with AMP Inc., retiring with more than 30 years of service. While employed, he developed one of the original company quality manuals. 

Bob was a huge sports enthusiast. He loved Wake Forest, and was the biggest fan at games of his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. He especially enjoyed the game of baseball, and loved being in the stands. One of his most notable baseball trips, was attending every game of the NCAA Men’s College World Series one year! He also enjoyed the game of golf and played regularly with several groups of friends. 

Bob loved spending time with his family and loved to travel. He and his wife, Bonnie, shared lots of family camping trips over the years. After retirement, Bob and Bonnie pursued goals of traveling the whole US in their motorhome, as well as many trips to other countries.

Bob had a strong love for being with people. He never went anywhere that he didn’t know someone. He was a member of First Baptist Church in North Myrtle Beach, but served through the years in various church leadership roles, and sang in several church choirs, including North Myrtle Beach City Choir. His role as a church greeter was among his favorite ministries. Everyone he met was a future friend!

A celebration of life service will be held on Saturday, November 9, 2024 at 2:00pm at First Presbyterian Church in Winston-Salem, NC. Visitation and a reception will follow the service. The service will be livestreamed for those unable to attend in person.

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=NT9kHxYrp1I     **Copy this link and paste into your browser for viewing. ****

In lieu of flowers, the family is asking for contributions to be made in Bob’s memory to First Baptist Church North Myrtle Beach – Building Fund, 200 Hwy 17 South, North Myrtle Beach, SC 29582 (fbcnmb.com) or Samaritans Purse Hurricane Helene Disaster Relief - Western NC (www.samaritanspurse.org/our-ministry/nam)