Billy Swain

Billy Lewis Swain, 87, of Salem, Virginia, went to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Friday, June 5th, 2026. Born and raised in Salem, Billy graduated from Andrew Lewis High School before answering his country's call and serving four years in the United States Air Force, stationed in England. Upon returning home, he joined the Virginia Highway Department and became part of the historic crew that carved Interstate 81 out of the Blue Ridge Mountains - a legacy in concrete and stone that still carries millions of travelers each year. He later transferred to the Christiansburg office, where he and his beloved wife Dorothy put down roots and built their life together. In 1974, Billy joined the Virginia Tech Grounds Department, a role that suited a man who found purpose in caring for the places and people around him. He retired in 2003 after an extraordinary 42 years of service to the Commonwealth of Virginia. In 2010, he and Dorothy returned to Salem to be near the friends and family who meant the world to them. But his work could never capture Billy Swain. More importantly, he was a husband, a father, a Paw Paw, a Salem Dude, a best friend, a faithful member of the Faith Christian Church of Christ, and - above all - a servant of the Lord. He led with quiet faithfulness and loved with his whole heart. He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Dorothy; his daughters Sharon (Nick), Susan (Rob), and Stacie (Mike); eight grandchildren, Lauren, Nathan, Jacob (Maggie), Caleb, Noah, Cooper (fiancee' Sophia), Mackenzie, and Cade; and one great-grandchild, Scarlett. As Billy would always say to close his prayers: "Lord please, guide, guard, direct us, love, and protect us. Amen." The family would like to thank Good Samaritan Hospice for the care that was provided to Billy. The family will welcome friends for a period of visitation on Wednesday, June 10, 2026, from the hours of 1:00 until 2:00 p.m. at John M. Oakey & Son Funeral Home, in Salem. Funeral services to honor Billy's life will begin directly following visitation starting at 2:00 p.m. in the funeral homes chapel. Interment will follow at Swain Family Cemetery in Christiansburg. A livestream link will be provided below this obituary on the funeral homes' website; www.johnmoakey.com, for those unable to physically attend the services in the chapel. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Faith Christian Church of Christ in honor of Billy Swain. Donations can be made online at https://www.faithchristiancc.org/online-giving or via check mailed to 305 3rd Street SW, Christiansburg, VA 24073. Online condolences may be expressed to the Swain family by visiting www.johnmoakey.com