Mr. Bill C. Swafford, 74, of Barbourville, passed away Thursday afternoon, June 18, 2026 at the University of Kentucky Medical Center in Lexington. He was the son of the late Criss and Ann Mays Swafford born August 20, 1951 in Heidrick.
Bill was a former high school teacher and longtime boys basketball, coach whose impact on the game and his community spanned decades. As a basketball player, he starred for the Knox Central Panthers, helping lead them to the regional semifinals his junior and senior years. He would go on to play at Union College, where he scored 1,752 points and remains on the school’s all-time scoring list. After college, Bill coached the Barbourville Tigers for eight years, where his teams had 109 wins and were regional runner-up in 1976. He later returned to his high school alma mater as head coach for 13 years, compiling 256 wins, four 50th District titles, six 50th District runner-up titles and one 13th Region runner-up title in 1988. After stepping away from coaching, Bill would serve as athletic director and attendance officer for Knox Central High School. In 2006, Knox Central honored him by retiring his jersey, number 30.
He was a member of the Faith Tabernacle Pentecostal Church. Later in life, he enjoyed visiting with his friends and neighbors often reminiscing about his days of coaching, reflecting on a lifetime dedicated to education, athletics and the young people he mentored.
On May 24, 1980, he united in marriage with Tami Davis and this union was blessed with the birth of one son.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Tami; siblings, Arvis, Dallas and wife, Cloeva, Doug, Sue, Jip and husband, Hoss, and Bobbie Ann and a nephew, Mike Woolum.
Survivors include his loving son, Bradley Swafford of Lexington; sister, Aline Woolum and husband, Roy, of Hopkinsville; two sisters-in-law, Rita Swafford of Cannon and Claudette Scalf of Gray; a brother-in-law, Wilbur Bingham of Barbourville; a host of nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews; among other loved ones and dear friends who cherish his memory.
His funeral service will be conducted in the chapel of the Knox Funeral Home Tuesday, June 23 at 3 P.M. with Rev. Josh Smith and Rev. Duke Hammons officiating. He will be laid to rest in the Tuggle – Doolin Cemetery.
Serving as casket bearers will be his nephews. Honorary bearers will be his former teammates, assistant coaches, players and team managers.
In recent years, Bill was loved and cared for by his dear friends, Margaret Merritt and Tonya Hubbard, who the family would like to sincerely thank for all they did.
Friends may visit at the funeral home Tuesday after 12 Noon until the funeral hour.
Arrangements are under the direction of the Knox Funeral Home.
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For questions about our obituaries or condolence service, please contact us. You may reach us via e-mail at knoxfuneralhome@barbourville.com. Reach us via phone by calling 606-546-2222.
