Roger Dale Sword

Roger Dale Sword, age 78, died Saturday, November 26, 2022 at Johnston Memorial Hospital in Abingdon, Virginia. Roger was born February 29, 1944 to the late Minnie Cozzolino and Oakley Jefferson Sword in Lebanon, Virginia.

He fought a courageous battle during the last two years of his life but his declining health made it hard to put up a good fight. He told God that he had fought his last fight and was ready to go home. He was looking forward to no more tests, needles or sticks. He received excellent care from doctors Townsend, Kyi, Beasey, Grant Taylor and Mazzie. The family will be forever grateful for such wonderful care. The family would like to say thank you to Kala for being such a dedicated caregiver.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Oakley Jefferson “Jeff” Sword; sister, Patsy Sword Burdette; brother-in-law, Bill Martin; and nephew, Kevin Martin.

Roger lived in Lebanon, Virginia all his life. He was a graduate of Lebanon High School Class of 1962. He earned a B.S. Degree from East Tennessee State University in 1967. After graduating from college he began his 40 years of service in leadership roles for multiple agencies in Russell and surrounding counties.

Roger loved life and his family. He had many hobbies including round and square dancing, ocean and freshwater fishing, gardening, barbecuing, woodworking, and many other things. He enjoyed sitting on his front porch admiring his angelwing begonia and enjoying the view of the mountains. Talking to his buddies was something that he always looked forward to and the conversation usually ended with the latest politics.

He attended Lebanon Presbyterian Church where he and his wife Brenda were married on June 6, 1969.

He is survived by Brenda, his wife, best friend and companion for the last 53 years; sisters-in-law, Emily Sword, Sandy Lambert and husband Allen, and Ruth Martin. A host of cousins, nieces, nephews, and his fur baby Ms. Josie also survive.

It was Roger’s desire for a private passage into eternal life. To honor his last wishes the family will not have a service.

The Sword family has been cared for by Combs-Hess Funeral Service in Lebanon, Virginia.