FRANKLIN - Wayne Thomas Swank went to be with the Lord on Nov. 10, 2020 while under hospice care for Alzheimers. He was born on March 8, 1936 in Washington D.C. He was the son of William Swank and Evelyn Menne. He is preceded in death by his brother, Gerald Swank, and his parents. He is survived by his wife Roberta Swank, and his children, Laureen King (Larry), Douglas Swank (Tommie), Scott Swank, and Mark Swank (Amy); 8 grandchildren, Kathryn and Thomas King, Kurtis and Kellen Swank, and Kali Niethammer, William, Elizabeth, and James Swank and four great-grandchildren.
Wayne was a pioneer in forest hydrology. He received his undergraduate in Forest Management from West Virginia University in 1958, a Masters in Silviculture from the University of Washington in 1959, and a Doctorate in Forest Hydrology from the University of Washington in 1972. Beyond these formal activities, Wayne was generous with advice and ideas and he had decades long partnerships with numerous scientists in federal agencies, research labs, and universities locally and from across the world. While Wayne’s scientific accomplishments were exceptional, among his greatest contributions were in shaping the careers of students and early career scientists. He served as Adjunct Professor at six universities; primarily at University of Georgia, Clemson University and University of Florida.
He enjoyed woodworking, fishing, running, gardening, photography and playing cards among other hobbies. He touched all 4 corners of the globe both in business and pleasure travels. He and his wife of 62 years enjoyed traveling the world together including a 3 month stay at the University of Durham in the UK, a 2 week trip in Australia and a 3 week trip to China. He was a member of First United Methodist Church and long-term member of the Rotary Club of Franklin.
Funeral services were held Saturday Nov. 14th at 11 a.m. at Franklin First United Methodist Church. The service was streamed live via Franklin First United Methodist Church Facebook.
Memorial donations can be made to www.alz.org
Macon Funeral Home is handling the arrangements.
Condolences may be made at maconfuneralhome.com