Harry Swindler Obituary

Mr. Harry Howell Swindler, 92, of Columbia, SC, passed away on Saturday, May 17, 2025. Born on December 20, 1932, he was the son of the late James Oakman Swindler and the late Pearl Martin Swindler. Harry graduated Columbia High School and continued to work on the family farm, Hillcrest Dairy, on Hard Scrabble Road, including deliveries to local hospitals and colleges. His friendly personality and strong work ethic revealed his potential in new salesman opportunities before opening his own business of Hillcrest Exterminating Company. He later partnered with his son-in-law, Steve Sox, to open AAAA Carpet Company. Harry made time to enjoy with his family and friends including many trips to the beach, lots of fishing and everything Gamecocks football. Many happy memories were made at Cock's Corner where he was known to shag or twist the night away! In later years, he made time to also enjoy Gamecock baseball home games and followed them to Omaha, NE for the College World Series win with his brother. He became noted for that commemorative hat and loved to tell the story. While each of these events were special, Harry's weekly activities reveal his heart. Every Sunday centered around church worship, Sunday School and lunch with all of the extended family at the farm. Harry is survived by his son, Terry (Beth); daughter, Penny R. Sox (Steve, dec.); grandchildren, Stacy Gross (Kevin), Stephanie Sox, and Justin Swindler; great-grandchildren, Savannah and Blake Gross; brother, Ronnie (Vie); and many nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his wife, Bobbie Sharpe Swindler, and his sisters, June Rials, Betty Lou Fulmer and Addie Mae Jones. The graveside service for Mr. Swindler will be held at Crescent Hill Memorial Gardens, 2603 Two Notch Road, Columbia, SC 29204, on Thursday, May 22, 2025, at 11 o'clock. The family will receive friends at Shives Funeral Home, Trenholm Road Chapel, 7600 Trenholm Road Ext, Columbia, SC 29223, on Tuesday, May 20, 2025, from 5 until 7 o'clock. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to North Trenholm Baptist Church, 6515 North Trenholm Road, Columbia, SC 29206. The family is thankful for the love and friendship of Ms. Betty Moreland. They are also very appreciative of the staff of The Palmettos of Parklane for the loving care they showed to Harry and his family.