William Edward Swift Sr was born November 27, 1946, in Hughes, Arkansas to Roosevelt C. Swift Sr., and Annie Bell Jefferson.  He attended Mildred Jackson High School in Hughes,  Arkansas. William moved to Benton Harbor, Michigan in the early 1970s.   He was employed by Whirlpool Corporation and Ball Rubber of St. Joseph, Michigan. He later became self-employed as a Martial Art Instructor, and was known around the city as one of the best Martial Art instructors and schools. He also worked odd jobs around the city, as a renovator.

William enjoyed and had a passion for cooking, fishing, traveling, martial arts, and spending time with his family.

Beloved by many William E. Swift Sr., leaves a legacy to be cherished and respected. He leaves to treasure his memorable life;  his devoted son William E. Swift Jr., six daughters, Carla (Jeryle) Jones, Brenda F. Swift, Wanda (Michael) Swift-Horne, Brenda L. (Bobby) Davis, Sheena Sunkett, Wykeena Swift. One blended sister Mona (Kevin) Houston.
Ten sisters, Janet D. (Percy) Swift-Norfleet, Elena D. (Ryan)  Swift-Carpenter, Mae Lee Davis-Conway, Ernestine Davis, Patricia Davis, Diane Davis, Peggy Davis, Annette Davis, Brenda Davis, and Linda Davis; Nine brothers, Hubert C. Davis, Roosevelt C. (Cheryl) Swift Jr., Mark V. (Kimberly) Swift, Leon McGowan, Dannie McGowan, Dary (Sharon) McGowan, Gary McGowan, Charles (Nancy) Davis. One special cousin, Robert Lee Swift Sr.
 
He is preceded in death by father Roosevelt C. Swift Sr, son Bobby D. Swift, brothers David Lee Davis, George Lee Davis, and Lt. Davis; Sisters Roberta L. Pemberton and Helen Jean Davis