WILMINGTON — Robert Allen Swaim, Sr. (“Bob”), 88, of Wilmington, NC, died unexpectedly on August 18, 2025, while undergoing surgery. He was born on June 8, 1937, in Winston-Salem, NC, to Charles Bagby and Grace Bowles Swaim.
Bob attended RJ Reynolds High School in Winston-Salem, a family tradition later shared by his wife, Tera, their children, his son-in-law, Jamie, and granddaughters Vivian and Eleanor.
A proud veteran of the United States Navy, Bob faithfully served his country during the years following the Korean Conflict. His service remained a source of pride throughout his life.
On May 17, 1963, Bob married the love of his life, Tera Adelaide Frizzelle. Their marriage of 48 years withstood every high and low imaginable. Together they set a powerful example that marriage can endure and thrive with commitment, perseverance, and love. Tera passed away on August 10, 2011, and after 14 years and 8 days apart, Bob is now reunited with her in heaven.
Bob is survived by his children: Elizabeth Grace Swaim Redenbaugh (Jamie), Robert Allen Swaim, Jr., Benjamin Armstrong Swaim (Christie), and Sterling Baker Swaim (Laura). He was the proud grandfather of Zach Redenbaugh (Vicki), Austin Redenbaugh (Hannah), Kate Redenbaugh, Vivian Swaim, and Eleanor Swaim, as well as the great-grandfather of Jacey Redenbaugh. He was predeceased by his parents, his wife Tera, and his brother, Charles Bagby Swaim, Jr.
Bob had many passions in life—cars being chief among them. At one point, he owned nine vehicles and rarely allowed anyone else to drive them. His children often joked that he loved his cars more than them. Affectionately known as “Bottom Dollar Bob” at a local dealership, he earned the nickname for his trademark question at every negotiation: “What’s your bottom dollar?”
He loved animals, especially the pets that brought joy and companionship to his and Tera’s home. Their rescue pup, Annie, named after Little Orphan Annie, held a particularly special place in his heart. Found close to death as a puppy, Annie was lovingly nursed back to health and became their first baby.
Bob also found joy in working in his yard. Whether planting flowers, mowing grass, or blowing leaves, he turned ordinary chores into moments of peace and purpose. His children like to joke that he perfected the art of strategic leaf blowing to escape the chaos of four children and the steady stream of music lessons being taught by Tera inside their home.
An entrepreneur at heart, Bob spent much of his life pursuing business ventures. He owned an ice cream shop in Charlotte called Jersey Junction, later expanded into several Mayberry’s Ice Cream Restaurant franchises, and eventually operated a hot dog stand in Winston-Salem.
Through it all, he taught his children to savor life’s small joys and to recognize the dignity and worth of every person. Bob will be remembered for his playful humor, his generosity, and the deep love he carried for his family. His legacy lives on in the lessons he taught to those who knew and loved him.
Bob will be laid to rest beside his beloved wife, Tera, at Forsyth Memorial Park in Winston-Salem. A graveside service will be held on Monday, August 25th, at 1:00 p.m., followed by a reception at the home of Sterling and Laura Swaim, 818 Austin Lane in Winston-Salem.
