Ralph “Bud” McSwain

Gaffney, SC - - Ralph Alan McSwain, 78, of 375 Norman Boulevard, passed away on Tuesday, June 30, 2026 at his residence.

Born in Toluca, NC, he was the husband of the late Shirley Elaine Martin McSwain, the natural born son of Ralph Parker and Kathleen Williams Guinn (Sank Othal Guinn), and the adopted son of the late Forrest McSwain and Florence Bolton McSwain. He retired from Nestle and was of the Baptist faith. He loved his family, golfing and fishing, especially at Perry’s Lake. Ralph also loved shooting pool and was a member of the American Pool Association.

Surviving is a son, Chris McSwain of the home; a daughter, April McAbee (Scott) of Inman; a grandson raised in the home, D. J. Duffie of Gaffney; a brother, Bruce Guinn (Susan) of Spartanburg; four sisters, Wanda Roll (Robert) of Lexington, SC, Bobbie Jo Parker, Becky Lynn Hodge (Jimmy) both of Gastonia, and Linda Marvel of Federal Bay, Washington; a brother-in-law, David Newberry of Chesnee; eleven grandchildren, Bradley Ruppe (Kayla), Amber Henderson, Brandon Ruppe (Brittany), Cambrea McSwain, Makayla Nance, Aaron McKinney (Lexi), Rusty McKinney (Hannah), George McAbee, Brittany Cline (Brett), Aleighsa Turner (Dustin) and Alayna Nance (fiancé Jonathan Dobbs); twenty great-grandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews. In addition to his wife and parents, he was preceded in death by a daughter, Crystal Nance, two sisters, Brenda Newberry and Tammy Parker, and a brother-in-law, Steve Paige.

The family will receive friends from 1:00PM until 2:00PM on Saturday, July 11, 2026 at Blakely Funeral Home. Memorial services will follow at 2:00PM in the Blakely Funeral Home Chapel with Reverend Duck McAbee officiating.

The family will be at the residence, 375 Norman Boulevard, Gaffney, SC 29341.

An online guest register is available at www.blakelyfuneralhome.com

Blakely Funeral Home & Crematory, Gaffney, SC.