FRANKLIN – Orrin Boyd Robert Sword Sr., 89, passed away on Monday, July 19, 2021.
Born in Salerno, Florida, he was the son of the late Bert R. and Agnes Driggers Sword. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a granddaughter, Elisha Woodcum; and sister, Hilda Mae Kovacs.
“Bob,” as he is affectionately known, was a Navy veteran, who served during the Korean War. He retired from the Florida Highway Patrol. He was a member of the Holy Name of Jesus church in West Palm Beach, Florida, the VFW, the American Legion, and the Jaycees of Tarpon Springs, Florida. He received two very special recognitions: the VFW presented him with a Certificate of Appreciation which stated, “In grateful recognition of unyielding adherence to the highest ideals of law enforcement in maintaining, preserving, and protecting the lawful rights of all citizens” and a letter from the Florida House of Representatives talking about Mr. Sword’s professional contributions to the citizens, fellow State Troopers, his friends and neighbors; signed by Rep. Frank S. Messersmith.
Bob belonged to the Image Group, who counseled married couples; loved woodworking, fishing, gardening, and was considered a “master” griller. Bob enjoyed life, but the thing he most enjoyed was taking care of his family.
He is survived by “his bride” of 69 years, Bobbie; their children, Barbara Ann Sword of Franklin, Orrin Boyd Robert Sword Jr. (Anita) of Spring Hill, Louisian, and Cynthia Bella Sword of Franklin. Also surviving are his grandchildren, Gwendolyn Gibson (Caleb) and their daughter, Olivia; Bert Sword (Janine) and their children, Samantha and Max; Ashley Sword (Christian); Matthew Sword (Faith) and sons, Alex and Ethan; Zacheriah Sword (Melanie) and son, Noah Boyd; nephew, Frank Kovacs (Mary); and “granddaughter from the left hip,” Angela Fitch and her children, Andrew and Luke Sword. He also has his faithful companion, Diesel; the Marx sisters and brother, brothers-in-law, nieces, nephews and their children; son-in-law from previous marriage, Woody Woodcum; his extended Harth Drive Family of West Palm Beach; and children of the heart, Catherine, David, and Lyric Lopez; and many other friends surviving.
Memorial Service will be on Saturday, July 31 at 11 a.m., at the Wolf Creek Enchanted Cottage, 3276 Wayah Rd., Franklin, NC 28734. Military honors will be provided by VFW Post 7339 and American Legion Post 108.
Condolences can be made at maconfuneralhome.com. Macon Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.