SARASOTA, FL - Robert (Bob) Lee Swan passed away on March 27, 2025 in Sarasota, Florida with his beloved wife Barbara Ann Swan by his side. Born in Memphis, Tennessee, on November 21, 1936, Bob moved to Jackson, Mississippi when he was ten years old, where he lived for the next several decades. He graduated from Central High School in Jackson in 1954, and served in the United States Marines from 1956 to 1958.

He went on to earn a Bachelors degree in Business Administration from the University of Mississippi in 1970. While working as a sales representative for Telescope Casual Furniture Company, his client base grew to encompass Burdines department store, a Florida staple. During a sales visit to Miami, he met the love of his life, Barbara Swan (nee Berola), who was a Burdines casual furniture buyer. The two married on Valentines Day in 1978 and settled in Marietta, Georgia.

Bob was an adventurer and sportsman. A skilled tennis player, he ranked #3 in doubles in Georgia during 1982-1983. In 1985, Barbara and Bob moved to Siesta Key, Florida where they became avid sailors, often taking their boat out for days at a time up and down the west coast, and cruising as far as the Keys. They were also world explorers, with multiple trips and cruises to Europe. Though Barbara was the true Italian in the family, Bob became so taken with Mediterranean culture and cuisine he might be considered an “honorary” Italian. Bob and Barbara enjoyed the Siesta Key lifestyle for over twenty years, with Bob retiring in 1999.

In 2008, they found their dream home in the Sarasota golf community of Prestancia. Bob became a cornerstone of the community, serving with distinction, including as president of Villa Fiore, Prestancia, and Palmer Ranch boards. His board commitments centered on landscaping and major structural designs, with a vision that elevated the beauty and harmony of the surroundings. He gave generously of his time, talent and heart.

Golf was Bob’s passion, and he was a member of the TPC club for over twenty years. He coordinated multiple men’s golf groups during that time. Out on the golf course, Bob could be seen daily, always sporting his Kangol cap. He also bought his first antique car and quickly became an enthusiast. He showed his auto in competitions and won more than a few ribbons. At home, Bob relished cooking his specialties of paella or risotto for his wife and friends.

Bob is survived by his wife of 47 years, Barbara Ann Swan, his son Lee (Eva) Stevens, his daughter Kevin (Perrin) Lowrey, sister-in-law Carol Cercone, grandchildren John Madison (Lisa) Guise, Justice Guise, Jed (Lauren) Stevens, Ben Stevens and Sam Stevens, great grandchildren Henry Guise and John Oliver Guise and multiple nieces and nephews. He is remembered fondly by many friends and family.

Internment services will be held at the Sarasota National Cemetery on Thursday, May 1st at 11:00 AM. Memories will be shared at a memorial luncheon to follow.

Donations may be made in memory of Bob Swan to First Tee Sarasota/Manatee
https://firstteesarasotamanatee.org/donate/