Olaniyan David Swinton

Olaniyan David Swinton passed away unexpectedly at his home in Columbia, SC, on January 4, 2020. He was 49.

Born in Boston, Massachusetts on July 7, 1970, to Dr. David and Patricia Swinton, Olaniyan grew up in Long Island, New York, Alexandria, Virginia, and Atlanta, Georgia, with his one brother and four sisters.  He graduated from Callaway High School in Jackson, Mississippi, and he continued his education at Florida A&M University where he received a Bachelor of Arts in Business Economics. Olaniyan also earned an HVAC certification that he utilized on construction projects in Columbia, including the building of the Colonial Life Arena. He also served in the National Guard from March 1990 to March 1998.

Olaniyan, who displayed an affinity for problem-solving, worked as a Maintenance Manager overseeing the upkeep of various commercial properties across the Metropolitan Atlanta area.  He continued to excel in this role until his health declined and he left his childhood home, Atlanta, behind and took up residency in Columbia to be closer to his parents. Although his condition slowed him down, he showed a strength of character and determination that we all admired. During this time, he was also able to nurture his relationships with his son, parents, siblings, his nieces and nephews, and his grandmother. We are forever grateful to have had this time with him. 

Olaniyan was a caring son, devoted father, a wonderful older brother, and an amazing uncle to his numerous nieces and nephews. Olaniyan was a good listener, offered thoughtful advice, and was always willing to give assistance when needed. He was an avid reader and enjoyed discussing and debating various topics ranging from politics to the latest entertainment news, and he often spoke out about social injustices and issues of racial inequality. He was a lifelong Dallas Cowboy fan who was convinced that “next year” was their time to win another Super Bowl.  He also loved to watch boxing and seldom missed a championship fight.

He leaves to cherish his memory his son, Malik A. Swinton, his parents, David and Patricia Swinton, his grandmother, Thelma Harris, his brother, Omari (Phyllis) Swinton, sisters, Ayanna (Michael) Jamison, Aisha (Kedrick) Lusk, Malika (Kelly) Shumpert, and Akilah (Cory) Nelson, nieces, Adia Lusk, Kya Jamison, Kellis Shumpert, Nyla Swinton, Akirah Nelson, and Tiera Lucas, and nephews, Mikail Shumpert, Amir Anderson, Mikaili Jamison, Elijah Lusk, Adis Jamison, Omari Swinton Jr., Jaliyl Jamison, Kaelil Lusk, Uri Shumpert, Jamir Swinton, Nasir Swinton, Cory Nelson II, and Akil Nelson, a caring godfather, Dr. Peter Jackson, and a caregiving friend, Ms. Linda Haggins.  He also leaves to mourn his absence many uncles, aunts, cousins and a host of other beloved relatives and friends.

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