Obituary of Kenneth Sword

Kenneth “David” Sword  

March 13, 1954- January 7, 2025 

On Tuesday January 7, 2025, Kenneth David Sword passed away peacefully surrounded by family at UNC hospital after a brief and hard-fought battle against cancer. 

David was born on March 13, 1954, in Lebanon, Virginia to the late Kenneth and Jane Sword.  David is survived by his wife Christy Merritt; three sons- Andrew (Jessica) Sword and Taylor (Nicole) Sword, from a former marriage; and Wayne (Casey) Merritt; two sisters-Connie (Mike) Wells and Anne (Terry) McReynolds; five grandchildren-Wesley and Brooke Sword and Quinn, Harper, and Ivy Merritt; many other family members, friends, and his beloved cats. 

David had music in his blood and was an avid drummer and singer for various bands over the course of his life including The Crow River Band, The Ravens, The Icemen, Good Rocking Sam, and most recently, The Spoonbenders. His music ventures took him all over the country and provided opportunities to meet amazing musicians, both famous and should be famous.  When given the chance, he loved telling stories of epic tales and everyone he met along the way, including taking off to the West Coast right after High School with his best friends.  When he and Christy were not at his favorite bar, the Blue Note Grill in Durham, he could be found cheering on the NC State Wolfpack and the Dallas Cowboys.  David also loved gardening, hiking, drawing, painting, and doing metal work. The most recent and greatest experience of David’s life was being a grandfather and spending time with his five grandchildren.  David truly lived life to the fullest with a positive spirit and an unmatched sense of humor.  He will be truly missed by everyone who has ever met him, especially his loving family. 

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in honor of David to the Triangle Blues Society. 

A Celebration of Life is being planned for February 23, 2025, at Blue Note Grill in Durham, NC at 1:00 pm.