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William Lee (Bill) Swail

William Lee (Bill) Swail was born in Houston, Texas on February 28, 1942. He was the third of five children born of George Thomas Swail and Constance Linda (Davis) Swail. Bill, the father of four and grandfather of ten, died on January 25, 2022. Bill is preceded in death by his parents, older brothers Jon and Douglas and his younger sister Norma Ulbricht. He is survived by his sister Marjorie Randall, life partner Elvie Jeanette (Taylor) Swail, children Billie Jeneen (Swail) Schloz (husband Brian, sons Hayden Alexander, Owen Mason and Calvin Lee), Michael Taylor Swail (wife Elizabeth and daughters Mary Madison Elizabeth, Tennyson Taylor, Ella Sue and Charlotte Anne), Charles Thomas Swail (wife Julia), and Bradley Dawson Swail (wife Laura and sons Leif Milam and Lachlan Dawson and daughter Wilhelmina Fitch).

Bill moved to Austin, Texas after graduation from South Houston High School in 1960 where he attended The University of Texas and joined the Airforce Reserves. He was an active member of Trinity Chapel where he met Elvie in 1966. Bill and Elvie were married August 5, 1967 and moved to Arkansas. While in Arkansas he attended The University of Central Arkansas and the University of Arkansas School of Pharmacy, receiving a Doctorate of Pharmacy degree in 1973.

Moving back to Austin in 1974, Bill honed his pharmacy practice at Ace Mart Drug Store and Consumers Drug Store before opening his own business. In April of 1980, Bill opened his first Peoples Rx store. From the beginning, Bill was a pioneer and visionary known for his focus on serving the community with a sincere interest in helping people improve their health. Bill is now widely known for bringing a greater depth of wellness to the city of Austin. He had a true love for his customers, his employees, and everyone that he touched in the community. Bill was passionate about supporting alternative forms of healthcare, providing an “east meets west” environment that many holistic pharmacies have strived to replicate over the years.

Bill was an active member in The South Austin Kiwanis until his tragic car accident in late 2017. He was a speaker at The University of Texas School of Pharmacy, a presenter at PCCA and a member of the Board of Directors for the South Austin Medical Center among many other activities.

A memorial service will be held at Antone’s, 305 East 5th Street in Austin, Texas at 2pm on Sunday, February 13, 2022. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Project 8P, Texas Association of Naturopathic Doctors, Capital City Village or Samaritan Center, Austin. A live stream option will be offered for those who would like to attend virtually.

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