William R. Swales

WILLIAM RONALD SWALES, age 65, of Anchorage, Alaska passed away on February 17th, 2024, after a brief hospital stay surrounded by family. William, or more affectionately known as “Ronnie” or “Ron”, was born September 1st, 1958, to William Francis Swales and Ann Elizabeth Swales in Baltimore, MD. After graduating from Baltimore Polytechnic Institute in 1976 he enlisted in the United States Air Force. While stationed in the military he was picked to work in the nuclear missile silos, but he turned down the opportunity because they only gave him a life expectancy of 20 years. Instead, he opted to become a fighter jet mechanic. Ron was first stationed at Chanute Air Force Base in Illinois, followed by Moody Air Force Base in Valdosta, Georgia and lastly at Elmendorf Air Force Base Anchorage, Alaska. After being honorably discharged from the Air Force, he began working at the United States Postal Service. There he worked as a Directory Analysis Specialist for many years. Ron will always be remembered for his love of model rockets and tennis. Tennis was his second love. Ever since he first picked up a racket, the sport played a special part in his life both personally and professionally. As much as he loved competing in tournaments, he enjoyed coaching just as much. While he lived in Alaska, he coached at multiple high schools as well as gave private lessons. During his time as a coach, he taught people of all ages, backgrounds, and skill levels leaving an impact on the tennis community in Alaska. Ron made it a priority to not only help you become a better player, but to also become a better person. He had a special way of bringing out the best in everyone. While playing in a tournament at the Oklahoma City Tennis Center in June of 1986, Ron met his now wife Andrée and the attraction between them was instant. The two went on to get married a year later on May 28th, 1987. Ron was predeceased in death by his father William Francis Swales and is survived by his mother Ann Elizabeth Swales, his sister Terry Maria Swales, his beloved devoted wife Andrée Swales, his three daughters Nyrée McDonald, Ph.D., Lace’cia Swales, Tajajihan Swales, his granddaughter Ayari McDonald, his nephew Chet T. DeShields II, his niece Morgan LeAnn Taylor, his great niece Zoë DeShields. He is also survived by his best friend for life George W. Martin IV, and a host of family and friends.

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William R. Swales

September 1, 1958 - February 17, 2024