Clifford M. Swindell, Jr.

September 5, 1946 – September 25, 2026

Clifford "Click" Murrel Swindell, Jr., 80, of Fairfield, North Carolina, peacefully entered the presence of his Savior on Friday, September 25, 2026.

Click is survived by his beloved wife, Judy Lovitt Mull Swindell. It took him 57 years to find the love of his life, but once he found Judy, their years together were filled with love, companionship, laughter, and a deepening faith that strengthened them both.

Born on September 5, 1946, Click was the son of the late Rosa Lee Cuthrell Swindell and Clifford Murrel Swindell, Sr. He graduated from West Hyde High School in Swan Quarter and attended the College of The Albemarle in Elizabeth City. He began his career at the Norfolk Naval Shipyard and proudly served in the Army National Guard.

In the 1970s, Click returned home to Hyde County, where he devoted many years of service to its citizens as Hyde County Manager. Following his retirement from county government, he continued serving the people of eastern North Carolina through a ten-year career with the North Carolina Ferry Division.

Click never met a stranger. He often said, “If you talk to someone long enough, you'll find they know someone you know.” Through the years, he cultivated countless friendships and faithfully nurtured them, often showing up with fresh vegetables, seafood, or simply a good story to share.

He enjoyed hunting, fishing, dancing, swapping stories, and pulling harmless pranks that have become treasured family legends. His quick wit, playful spirit, and infectious laughter brought joy to everyone fortunate enough to know him.

Click was a proud member of Fairfield Masonic Lodge and the Sudan Temple Shrine Club of New Bern. He also served faithfully as a deacon of Fairfield Christian Church. While his life was marked by kindness, generosity, and service, those closest to him witnessed his faith deepen even more after his marriage to Judy.

As Click began his final journey home, his oldest niece played Chubby Checker’s “Let’s Twist” and lovingly told him he could “twist right into Heaven.” It was a fitting farewell for a man whose life was filled with joy, humor, friendship, and love.

In addition to his parents, Click was preceded in death by his brother, Bobby Dean Swindell (Donna); his sister, Sandra Swindell Carawan (Mack); and his beloved brother-in-law and cousin, Edward Glen Cuthrell.

Left to cherish his memory are his wife, Judy; his sister-in-law, Grace Toro (Carlos); his stepson, Tim Mull (Leslie) of Maryland; stepdaughters, Sandie Johnson (Rob) of Colorado and Kristina Roberts of Poquoson, Virginia; ten grandchildren; three great-grandchildren, and his God-daughter; Kristie A. Sisson.

He is also survived by his nieces, Diana Carawan Williams (Joey), Joan Carawan Maxwell (Owen), Debbie Carawan Daughtry (Wilson), and Stacey Swindell Horne (Jodie); his nephew, Willie Mack Carawan, Jr.; and numerous cousins, extended family members, and friends whose lives were enriched by knowing him.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to Debbie Cahoon and the staff of Amedisys Hospice for their loving, compassionate, and professional care during Click’s final days.

A memorial service celebrating Click’s life will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, October 2, 2026, at Fairfield Christian Church. The family will receive friends from 1:00 p.m. until 2:00 p.m. in the church fellowship hall prior to the service.

Flowers are welcome, or memorial contributions may be made to:

Fairfield Christian Church P.O. Box 7, Fairfield, NC 27826, or Marion L. Sheppard Cancer Center 1209 Brown Street, Washington, NC 27889

"Well done, good and faithful servant." Matthew 25:23

Arrangements are by Bryan Funeral Service, Swan Quarter.