Paul Michael Swofford

Paul Michael Swofford, 54, passed away on Saturday, Feb. 27, 2021 in Asheville at Mission Hospital from complications related to diabetes.

Paul was born in Ft. Myers, Florida in 1966. He was preceded in death by his mother Ida Maria and is survived by his father Terry, his stepmother Darlene, brother Ronald, all of Franklin. Also surviving are his companion Melissa Tallent, his aunt Michal Ann and his dog Neveah, who was usually with him.

Paul graduated from Franklin High School in 1985. Prior to moving to Franklin he lived with his father in New Orleans, where he developed a love of cooking. After graduation he moved to Asheville to pursue his cooking career. He graduated with a culinary arts degree from AB Tech in 1987.

After graduation Paul returned to Highlands where he had worked one summer in high school. His first job was at Hildegard’s German Restaurant where he stayed until it was sold to Wolfgang Green. Paul stayed and had a great first year with Wolfgang and Mindy Green before moving on as a chef at Old Edwards Inn for several years until the kitchen was closed for renovations in 2001. At that time, Paul left Highlands for a brief time at a restaurant in Helen, Georgia and then The Chattooga Club in Cashiers. He returned to Highlands to work at Highlands Country Club until he retired in 2019 to pursue other interests outside the kitchen.

There will be a memorial service at 3 p.m. on Monday, April 12 at Trinity Church (6971 Georgia Road, Franklin, NC 28735) with Pastor J.D. Wilson presiding. The service can be streamed online at www.trinitywnc.com.

Memorial contributions can be made to Trinity Church or to the American Diabetes Association online at www.diabetes.org.