September 17, 2026, 45, Mount Olive – Jonathan Major Swaney, at the age of 45, passed away suddenly and unexpectedly on Thursday, September 17, 2026. His final hours were spent at the job he loved so much.
Jonathan, a resident of Mount Olive, was a former long-time resident of Kinston. While he had held several jobs in his formative years, it was at Cannon Marketing in Kinston where he found himself a career. After it became the southeastern branch of Hoshizaki America, he remained on staff as a valued employee as warehouse coordinator, spanning over 20 years of faithful service. In recent years, he also was a part-time employee of Arnold – Wilbert Corporation in Goldsboro.
Jonathan leaves behind his beloved wife, Alicia Pettit Swaney, and their daughter, Rylee Clemens, both of the home; his mother, Beatrice “Bea” Manning Swaney of La Grange, formerly of Kinston; two brothers and sisters-in-law, James and Heather Gilbert of Kinston, and Paul and Amy Gilbert of Deep Run; his father-in-law, Gary Pettit, of Mount Olive; sisters-in-law, Trish Robinson and husband, David, of Pikeville, and Anna Rosales of Greensboro; nieces and nephews whom John loved very much, J. T., Zack and wife, Brittne, Kirstie, Sierra and husband, Dillon, Lexi, Maddie, Carter, Chloe, Raelynn, and Amone. He also leaves behind the family pet, Snickers, a kitty with whom he enjoyed playful moments.
John is remembered as being a great husband, daddy, son, brother, uncle, and in-law. He was a hard-worker and was a friend to all. He had knowledge to fix most anything and was regarded by his friends and family as the “fix-it man.”
Family, friends, and co-workers will gather Monday, September 21, at 7:00 p.m. at Tyndall Funeral Home in Mount Olive to remember the life of this good man. Officiating will be the Rev. Daniel Lewis. The family will receive friends immediately following the service, and at other times, they will be at the home of Trish and David Robinson, 813 Bartlett Road, N.E., Pikeville, NC. Committal rites, followed with burial, will be in Maplewood Cemetery in Mount Olive, Tuesday, September 22, at 11:00 a.m.
As John’s life quickly passed from him, it happened just as he would have ordered it–quietly, quickly, and without suffering. Though no longer in sight, he will continue to live in the hearts of those whom he loved and those who loved him. He was, indeed, a great guy.
Alicia and the family are deeply grateful for the families of co-workers at both Hoshizaki and Arnold-Wilbert, for their support, thoughtful deeds, and other kindnesses extended at this time of deepest loss.
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