Celebrating the life of
Gene Swanzy
October 04, 1931 - June 20, 2012
SAVANNAH – Gene Swanzy died Wednesday morning, June 20, 2012, under the care of Hospice Savannah, surrounded by his wife and friends.
He was born in Columbus, Mississippi and lived most of his life in Northern Virginia before retiring to Savannah, Georgia.
He served in the United States Air Force where he began a career in broadcast engineering, radio/television management and telecommunications. He attended various USAF technical schools and received his B.S. in Physics from Shurtleff College, Alton, IL, in 1952. His 60 year career includes the following: Chief Engineer at Southern Illinois Broadcasting Corp., Centralia, IL, WCNT AM/FM; Studio and Transmitter Engineer, KWK AM/FM, TV; Engineer, Director of Technical Operations, and Manager of Business Affairs at KMOX TV, the CBS owned and operated station in St. Louis, MO; Manager of Technical Operations, Public Broadcasting Service, Washington, D.C.; Director of Operations and Engineering, WETA TV, FM, public broadcasting station, Arlington, VA; Vice-President of Operations and Engineering, Public Broadcasting Service, Washington, D, C.; Senior Vice-President of Operations and Engineering, Mutual Broadcasting Service, Arlington, VA; President of Multicomm, a telecommunications subsidiary of Mutual Broadcasting Service, Arlington, VA; and President of CUE Nationwide Paging Corp., Irvine, CA, a subsidiary company of NOKIA.
He was a member of the Society of Motion Picture and Television Engineers, the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences, the Washington Executive Broadcast Engineers, the Public Broadcasting Engineering Committee, the National Industry Advisory Council, NIAC-EBS, and the Satellite Technical and Operational Committee – TV STOC-TV.
He is survived by his wife, Mary Anna Severson, step-son, Thomas F. Dunn, Jr., and a cousin, Faye York, of Houston, TX.
Final services to be announced.
In place of flowers, please make a contribution in his name to The Carter Center for International Peace, One Copenhill, 453 Freedom Parkway, Atlanta, GA 30307 Telephone, 404-420-5100.
Please sign our on-line guest book at www.foxandweeks.com
Was sorry to read Gene's obit in Sunday's paper. Many years have passed since we worked together, but I remember you and Gene well you hired me for my first position at CPB. You built a good life together and I know you will miss him. My deep condolences, Priscill
- Priscilla Weck, Falls Church, VA
I am so sorry for your loss. Gene was my cousin and I remember him as one of the most intelligent and elegant gentlemen I've ever known. Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers during this time.
- Kaye P. Dawson, Athens, GA
Gene Swanzy was a wonderful man, it didn't take long to realize that when you talked with him. I feel honored to have met him and to have provided nursing care for him. I looked forward to our talks during my visits. I am so sorry for your loss MaryAnn, I know that he was so concerned for you and spoke of it often. What a blessing Gene was to me and to everyone who had the honor to meet him. He is missed. MaryAnn, I pray that God comforts you at this time, and I will keep you in my prayers.
- Mona Collins, Pooler, GA
OUR LOVE TO YOU AND TOMMY. WISH WE COULD BE THERE WITH YOU. GOD SPEED IN YOUR LIFE AND REMEMBER HE/SHE IS ALWAYS WITH YOU IN THE SAME WAY HE/SHE IS WITH GENE. J&B
- Jane and Bob Gibson, Fairfax, VA
Gene was a good man and we'll miss him. He supported our horse, dog and cat rescue and helped us save many animals. Every fund raiser he was there to help. There are many animals that are healthy and in wonderful homes because of Gene's help. He was also so positive, even when he was sick.. he always gave us words of hope. He was a real gift to so many animals at a real time of need. We love you Gene and we'll miss you. Rest in peace my friend. from everyone at Second Wind Adoption Program
- Celeita Kramer, West Union, WV
Was sorry to read Gene's obit in Sunday's paper. Many years have passed since we worked together, but I remember you and Gene well you hired me for my first position at CPB. You built a good life together and I know you will miss him. My deep condolences, Priscill
- Priscilla Weck, Falls Church, VA
I am so sorry for your loss. Gene was my cousin and I remember him as one of the most intelligent and elegant gentlemen I've ever known. Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers during this time.
- Kaye P. Dawson, Athens, GA
Gene Swanzy was a wonderful man, it didn't take long to realize that when you talked with him. I feel honored to have met him and to have provided nursing care for him. I looked forward to our talks during my visits. I am so sorry for your loss MaryAnn, I know that he was so concerned for you and spoke of it often. What a blessing Gene was to me and to everyone who had the honor to meet him. He is missed. MaryAnn, I pray that God comforts you at this time, and I will keep you in my prayers.
- Mona Collins, Pooler, GA
OUR LOVE TO YOU AND TOMMY. WISH WE COULD BE THERE WITH YOU. GOD SPEED IN YOUR LIFE AND REMEMBER HE/SHE IS ALWAYS WITH YOU IN THE SAME WAY HE/SHE IS WITH GENE. J&B
- Jane and Bob Gibson, Fairfax, VA
Gene was a good man and we'll miss him. He supported our horse, dog and cat rescue and helped us save many animals. Every fund raiser he was there to help. There are many animals that are healthy and in wonderful homes because of Gene's help. He was also so positive, even when he was sick.. he always gave us words of hope. He was a real gift to so many animals at a real time of need. We love you Gene and we'll miss you. Rest in peace my friend. from everyone at Second Wind Adoption Program
- Celeita Kramer, West Union, WV
Services under the direction of:
Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel
912-352-7200
