Steven Scott Swinney of Carrollton, Texas, passed away peacefully on his 73rd birthday, March 24, 2025, and transitioned into the arms of his Savior, Jesus Christ. Steve was born on March 24, 1952, in Amarillo, Texas, to Raymond and Ebilene Swinney.
Steve was a proud 1970 graduate of Randolph High School in San Antonio, Texas. He had the honor of playing quarterback on the football team, where he led the Rohawks to a state title game and still holds two records for football. From there, he continued his football journey with a scholarship to Baylor University. He had wonderful teammates who remained lifelong friends. He was a member of the Phi Kappa Alpha fraternity. Steve was the proudest Baylor Bear and has never wavered in his support of the Bears. He was rarely seen without wearing his green and gold proudly. He remained a member of the “B” Association and loved his reunions with his Baylor family at football games over the years.
After graduating from Baylor in 1974, Steve began his career as an insurance executive. That career spanned 40 years with many different companies along the way. He was an outgoing person and loved building relationships with clients and colleagues.
Steve's greatest accomplishments in life were his three children. Brian, Laura, and Lisa were his greatest joy, and he was always sharing stories about them with everyone he met. His children have fond memories of attending Baylor games with him and visiting the Bears. They remember him attending sporting events, performances, dances, and special life events. He always showed up. He often told them, “Only God loves you more than I do.”
Steve had the honor of becoming “P-Pa,” and it brought immense joy to his life. He adored his five grandchildren, Jackson, Frank, Payton, Blaise, and Kamdyn. He lived to spend time with them and attended as many sporting events as he could. He was one of their #1 fans, and they all knew it.
Steve was a devoted Christian and would often share how the Gospel and Jesus radically changed his life. Steve married Cheryl A. Vaught on December 10, 2022. They were members of First Baptist Dallas and regularly attended their Sunday School class. Steve was a Pastor’s Prayer Partner at First Baptist. He was also a member of Master’s Men, whose mission is to reach men and develop a team of Christian brothers who disciple others toward maturity in Christ, enabling each man to succeed in his mission for Christ. He truly loved this ministry. Steve met some of his dearest friends and brothers in Christ through this group, and they cared for him deeply in his final days.
In 2004-2005, Steve fought a battle with Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma and underwent a stem-cell transplant. This was a tough battle and marked the beginning of his warrior fight. After beating cancer, he made it his mission to volunteer on the hospital cancer floor, encouraging others in the midst of their own battles by visiting them weekly to pray and support them. He found great joy in comforting others.
Steve was a patriot who loved his country and the great state of Texas. He loved storytelling and believed that sharing stories could change lives. Steve never met a stranger—everyone became an instant friend. He was known for calling to check in or stopping by to visit and share a hug. He supported everyone and made people feel important. Deep friendships mattered deeply to him. While some collect trinkets, Steve collected friendships.
Steve loved to travel and create new memories. He cherished "do-over days"—not to restart a bad day but to relive a day so wonderful it deserved repeating. He believed every day was a gift and lived with an attitude of gratitude.
The last 4 ½ years of Steve’s life were tough in many ways. Diagnosed with Covid in October 2020, he spent 251 days in the hospital, underwent three years of kidney dialysis, received a life-saving kidney transplant, and battled numerous infections, culminating in a four-month hospital stay. Though he endured more time in the hospital than most can fathom, Steve remained mentally strong and impressed everyone with his resilience. Even in his hospital bed, he served as a vessel for God, witnessing to others and asking medical staff, “Do you know Jesus?” He understood the urgency of ensuring all knew his Savior. His family thanks every doctor, nurse, and medical staff who cared for him lovingly. Steve appreciated them deeply.
Steve always said, “If I am not here, you know where I will be.” And indeed, Heaven is where he resides now. 2 Timothy 4:7: “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.”
Steve is survived by his wife, Cheryl A. Swinney; his son Brian Swinney and daughter-in-law Erin Swinney; his daughter Laura Swinney and her boyfriend Chad Baker; his daughter Lisa Barker and son-in-law Reid Barker; his five grandchildren Jackson Swinney, Frank Barker, Payton Swinney, Blaise Barker, and Kamdyn Swinney. He is also survived by his children by marriage, Christopher Vaught and Whitney Raudabaugh, and their children Taylor Farris (Steve’s heroic living kidney donor), Ashley Vaught, Olivia Raudabaugh; and great-grandchild by marriage, Analeigh Farris. He is also survived by his brothers, Timothy Swinney and sister-in-law Sherry Swinney, and John Swinney and sister-in-law Julia Swinney.
Steve was preceded in death by twin babies, Benjamin and Sarah Swinney; his parents, Raymond and Ebilene Swinney; sister-in-law Lorraine Swinney; and nephew Robert Swinney.
A celebration of Steve’s life will be held on April 2, 2025.
Visitation with family and viewing will be at 9 AM at Prestonwood Baptist Church Chapel in Plano, Texas. The service will be held at 10 AM in the Prestonwood Baptist Church Chapel and officiated by Pastor Neal Jeffrey. A graveside service will follow at 1 PM at Restland Cemetery in Dallas, Texas, performed by John Cullen, Pastor at First Baptist Dallas.
