Dale Myron Swain, 80, passed away in Bushnell, Florida on March 26, 2026. He was born in Sumter County, Florida on Friday, July 13, 1945, to Earl and Helen Swain. He was Baptist in his faith. Dale was a very fair and honest man who never met a stranger. He liked hunting, playing golf, coaching, shipping watermelons, tending to his cows and spending time with his family. Dale also loved Bushnell and spent much of his time involved in community events. He was a true leader and always diligent in doing what was best for his fellow citizens.
Dale graduated from Bushnell High School in 1963, where he excelled in basketball, football, baseball and was chosen to represent South Sumter at Boys State. Dale received a full football scholarship from Tennessee Tech, in Cookeville, TN, where he was a quarterback for the Golden Eagles. He graduated In 1967 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Health & Physical Education and was selected for the “1966-67 Who’s Who” among students in American Universities. In 1968 he received his Masters Degree in Health.
After college, Dale returned to Sumter County and served as an educator and Curriculum Coordinator for Sumter District Schools. Dale taught Physical Education, coached football and started the first boys’ high school golf team. Dale took over the family business and shipped watermelons throughout the U.S. and Canada. He received the “Red Book Award for Honest and Fair Business Practices”. Dale was elected and served on the Bushnell City Council from 1988-2026. He served as City Council Representative on the Withlacoochee Regional Water Supply Authority Board from 2006-2024 and was awarded the John Land Years of Service Award.
He is survived by his wife of 53 years: Kay (Carlton) Swain of Bushnell, FL, Daughter: Sunny (Swain) Emily of Bushnell, FL; Son: Kale Lee (Kate) of Jacksonville, FL; Grandchildren: Jentri, Jilian, Kandon, Kylen, Kasen, Waylan, Presley, and Hadley; Great Grandchildren: Rane and River, and Sister: Peggy Swain (Mike) Wood of Wildwood, FL. He is preceded in death by his parents: Earl and Helen Swain; Brother: Tom Swain, and Sister: Patsy Swain Hall. A visitation will be held at the First Baptist Church of Bushnell on Tuesday, April 7, 2026, from 10:00am to 11:00am and the funeral service at 11:00am.