Obituaries – Their Stories Live On

Mr. Shawn Dewayne “Snake” Swain, 53, peacefully transitioned while at Raleigh General Hospital on Tuesday, March 25, 2026 in Beckley, WV.

Shawn, affectionately known as “Snake”, was born on July 3, 1972 in Beckley, WV being the first-born child of the late Richard F. Swain, Sr. and Marilyn Hall.

Shawn accepted the Lord-Jesus Christ as his personal savior at an early age. He continued to express his belief; yet still living his life as if it was his last.

Shawn attended WV and GA public schools generally being the class clown. While in school he participated in several sports with Football being his favorite. He captured the love and support from all those whom he crossed paths.

Shawn’s heart was warm, gentle, giving, and always full of positiveness; although, he once battled several addictions. Upon his departure from this bias earth, he transitioned addiction, felony, and judgement FREE!

Shawn loved music, artistry, social networking, and spending quality time among family and friends, his “BUNNY’S’. He was a Temu Shopping King and The Dallas Cowboys was his favorite NFL Football Team. He definitely Lived-Loved-Laughed on a daily with his main quote being, “absence makes the Heart grow fonder”!

Shawn, in addition to his parents, was preceded in death by his sister, Crystal F.M. Swain, his paternal and maternal grandparents; two uncles, Floyd and Alphonso Swain, and two cousins, Coretta Leftwich and Isaiah Mayo.

Shawn leaves to cherish his long-lasting memories to his one son, Jamel, two brothers, Jose’ Deeny (LaVetta) Swain, of Winder, GA, and Richard “PeeWee” (Schenille) Swain, Jr. of Orlando, FL; grandmother, Eveylene Stockton; two uncles, Michael Hall of Beckley, WV, Victor {Marilyn} Stockton of Roanoke, WV and Eddie Stockton; six aunts, Sandra {late Michael} Pemberton of Detroit, MI, Twana Stockton of Charlotte, NC, Roxanna (Butch) Taggart and Charlene Williams, all of Winder, GA; Hulda "Ponnie” (William) Swain and Sheila Rita aka “The Warden” (Robert) Leftwich, all of Beckley, WV; five nephews, Richard III “Lil PeeWee” Thomas “TJ”, Roman, Rio, and Sacorus “Corey”; five nieces, Shantavia “Princess”, Kierra, Sequoyah “Molly”, Raquel “Quelz”, and Sanijha “Ni”, and a host of great-nephews; great-nieces; cousins; family; relatives and friends.

“Snake”, his around the way name; will forever be remembered for his humor, kindness, love, and faith.

Funeral service will be 12:00PM Saturday, April 11, 2026 at Heart of God Ministries 1703 S. Kanawha St. Beckley. Burial will follow in Greenwood Memorial Park, Beckley.

Friends may view and visit with the family one-hour prior.

Email condolences to ritchiejohnsonfuneralparlor@gmail.com.

Arrangements entrusted to Ritchie & Johnson Funeral Parlor, Beckley.