JOHAN “BILL” SWANSON III

Born on May 8, 1948, Bill was the eldest of three boys born to Johan William and Eleanor Cox Swanson, III.

He graduated from Weir High School in 1966, where he distinguished himself as a standout catcher on the baseball team during his junior and senior years. His love for the sport continued as he went on to play semi-pro baseball while working at Weirton Steel, where he dedicated 34 1/2 years of his life as a heater in the Strip Steel Department.

On January 23, 1982, Bill married Mary Gallagher. Together, they created a beautiful family that included one daughter and embraced Bill’s daughter from a previous marriage. Bill’s devotion to his family was unwavering, and his gentle and caring nature made him a beloved husband, father, and grandfather.

In his leisure time, Bill found solace in the great outdoors. Every November, his schedule was cleared for the annual deer hunting expedition down Hoopie, a tradition he cherished. He also discovered joy in the simple pleasures of life, spending countless hours riding his lawn tractor cutting grass, and delighting in feeding the birds. He also loved to watch anything on TV that included a bat and a ball.

Known for his kind and compassionate spirit, Bill never uttered a harsh word about anyone. He treated everyone with equality and respect.

In addition to his parents, Bill was preceded in death by his brother, Jay Swanson.

Bill will be remembered with love by his wife, Mary; his two daughters, Rebecca “Becky” Hardin and Jessica Hensley (Matthew); his brother, Scott Swanson (Susan); his sister-in-law, Deborah Swanson; his six grandchildren, Samantha Greppi, Christopher Tucker, Sierra Hardin, Miles, Benjamin, and Kelson Hensley; one great grandson and his niece and nephew, Lorelei Rhodes and Charles Swanson.

Visitation will be held from 5 PM until 7 PM on Thursday at the Greco Hertnick Funeral Home, 3219 Main Street, Weirton, WV. The Funeral Liturgy of the Word Service will take place on Friday at 11 AM, followed by interment at Highland Hills Memorial Gardens.

Bill’s family would like to thank Dr. John Paul Schultz, Dr. Amit Nahata along with DCI of Wintersville, OH and his dialysis nurse Rachel Webber and her team, for all the care they provided Bill in recent years.

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