Nelson Willard Swartzentruber

     Nelson Willard Swartzentruber, age 79, husband of Carolyn Swartzentruber, went to be with Jesus on June 1, 2023 after battling a rare form of leukemia. Born in Oakland, Maryland to the late Evelyn and Willard Swartzentruber, Nelson grew up on a dairy farm with his two brothers and two sisters. 

     Nelson worked in the health care industry for over twenty years. He enjoyed his job and found meaning in helping others with their health care needs. He was the co-founder and owner of Parrish Home Medical in Greenwood, SC, where he previously lived. Upon his marriage to Carolyn Todd in 2014, Nelson retired from the Abbeville Home Health Care division and moved to Aiken to join the love of his life. 

     Nelson was a family man who loved life, but most of all he loved God. He was a caring soul with a kind and generous spirit. He enjoyed golfing, kayaking, and spending time with his family. Nelson was an avid pickleball player and shared his enthusiasm for the sport with everyone he met. His greatest passion, however, was his missions work. Throughout the years, he traveled to poverty-stricken third world countries to help those in need. Nelson was a devoted member of Hillview Baptist Church where he participated in various church ministries.

     In addition to his wife, Nelson is survived by three sons, Adam Swartzentruber (Lauren) of Greenwood, SC; Eric Swartzentruber (Janet) of Watkinsville, GA; Brian Swartzentruber (Karen) of Erie, PA; one daughter, Tracey Hodapp (Dave) of Erie, PA; two sisters, Marjorie Barnes of Virginia Beach, VA and Starla Lee of Greenwood, SC; three stepdaughters, Sloan Fleming (Greg) of Chapel Hill, NC; Carey Livingston (Richie) of Andrews, SC; and Elizabeth Wilson (David) of Greenwood, SC; eight grandchildren, six step-grandchildren, and one great-grandchild. 

     He was preceded in death by two brothers, Richard Swartzentruber and Dennis Swartzentruber.

     A memorial service will be held at 3:00 pm on Sunday, June 4, 2023 at Hillview Baptist Church, 1974 Jefferson Davis Hwy., Graniteville, SC. The family will receive guests one hour prior to the service. Interment will be private on a later date. Memorial contributions may be made to the Hillview Baptist Church Building Fund.

SHELLHOUSE – RIVERS FUNERAL HOME, 715 EAST PINE LOG RD., AIKEN, SC