Charles Everett Sward

Charles Everett Sward (Chick), 79, died Thursday, January 24, 2019 at his home surrounded by his wife and two children.

Chick leaves behind his wife of 53 years, Linda (McDonald) Sward; his son and daughter-in-law, Doctors Chris and Lisa Sward; his daughter and son-in-law, Stacey and Grant Norwood; his three granddaughters, Maddie and Mallory Barnes and Anna Sward; his step-grandson, Connor Norwood; his step-granddaughter, Makenna Norwood; his sister, Sue Jacobs; and many close friends.

Born in Chicago, IL and raised by his parents, Everett and Virginia Sward, in Winnetka, IL, Chick settled in Atlanta, GA in 1969.

After graduating from New Trier High School, Chick attended Carleton College in Northfield, Minnesota, where he graduated with a BA in Economics with a minor in History. Chick often shared fond memories of being on Carleton's football and baseball teams. Upon graduation, he received his draft notice and applied for Officer Candidate School in the United States Marine Corps. During his time spent in the USMC in Quantico, VA, Chick was introduced to a blind date by a mutual friend in the fall of 1964. It was love at first sight and he proposed three months later to Linda, and they were married on August 7, 1965. Chick and Linda lived in Oceanside, CA, Atlanta, GA, New York, NY, and Wilmet, IL, before settling back in Atlanta after the birth of their son in 1969.

Chick worked at C & S Bank in the investment department for ten years. In December of 1979, he and eight other partners founded Invesco, an independent investment management firm. After thirteen years, with a great desire to travel the world, he retired from Invesco and in the years that followed, set foot on all seven continents with Linda.

When not traveling, Chick's main priority was family and spending time with his children and especially his granddaughters. Spending time with family at his home Seagrove Beach, FL was one of his favorite activities. In addition, he spent ten years on the Board of Trustees of the State Teachers Retirement System and fifteen years on the Zoo Atlanta Investment Committee. He was a supporter of the Atlanta Botanical Gardens, Zoo Atlanta, and the Share Program at Shepherd Center in Atlanta. He was a longtime member of Oak Grove United Methodist Church and the Hope Sunday School Class.

Chick was an avid runner in his younger adult years and enjoyed watching golf and collecting fine wines. He was known for his generosity, kindness and being a gentleman. He was passionate about his family and taking care of others. Above all, he doted on his wife and enjoyed every moment of their 53 years together. Chick will be missed by many.

A celebration of Chick's life will take place on Friday, February 1 at 2 pm at Oak Grove United Methodist Church in Decatur. The service will be officiated by Dr. Glenn Ethridge and Dr. Gil Watson. The family will receive friends following the service in the Grand Hall at Oak Grove Methodist. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be sent to the Building Fund of Oak Grove United Methodist Church, 1722 Oak Grove Road, Decatur, GA 30033 or the Atlanta Share Program of Shepherds Center of Atlanta.