In Memory of Chris Swindell

Chris was our beloved son, cherished deeply by our entire family. Though he faced struggles with drugs, those challenges do not define who he was. Chris was, above all else, a warm, kind, and compassionate soul. He was an athlete, loyal friend, and a young man whose gentle spirit touched everyone who knew him.

Chris had a way of making people feel seen. With his comforting smile and easy laugh, he could brighten any room. He naturally gravitated toward those who were shy or left on the sidelines, ensuring no one ever felt alone. In high school, he was the one who would sit with someone eating by themselves, quietly extending kindness in ways that mattered most. His caring nature guided him every single day.

He also had a relentless drive for excellence. Whether spending hours perfecting his footwork on the soccer field, or practicing his shot until it became legendary, Chris poured himself fully into what he loved. He played Varsity soccer throughout high school and continued for two years in college, where his fierce determination as a forward made him unforgettable. Goaltenders would say his shots felt like bullets, but that same fierce competitor was always the first to help an injured teammate. Off the field, he cheered on his siblings from the sidelines, offering encouragement and advice without ever making it about himself.

Family was at the center of Chris’s heart. He was quick to share a smile, a laugh, or one of his signature bear hugs. He loved gatherings, where his humor and energy filled the room and brought us all closer together. Today, those moments feel quieter, missing his light - but the love, kindness, and joy he brought into our lives continue to live on in us.