William Swan Yerger passed away peacefully in Mobile, Alabama, on August 1, 2024.
He was born on June 11, 1932, in Jackson, Mississippi, the son of the late Rivers Applewhite Yerger and Wirt Adams Yerger. Swan was also a fifth-generation Mississippian graduating locally from Central High School in 1950.
He became an Eagle Scout at the age of 15 and upon graduation from Central High, he entered the “Rat Class” (freshman) at VMI (Virginia Military Institute) in Lexington, Virginia. During his sophom*ore year, he was elected Class Historian, the third highest class position. He was on the Honors list and served as Squad Leader.
Transferring to Ole Miss for his junior year, he joined the Air Force ROTC. The following year he was elected Cadet Colonel and Wing Commander for the ROTC. Swan graduated in 1954 with a major in History and a minor in English. His senior year also served as his first year of law school.
Upon graduation from Ole Miss, Swan served as Second Lieutenant in the US Air Force and was stationed with the Air Materiel Command at Brookley Field in Mobile, AL. He was later promoted to First Lieutenant.
Following his Air Force service, he entered his second year of law school at the University of Virginia in Charlottesville, VA. While there, he was selected as a member of the Student Legal Forum.
In addition to his law practice, Swan became very involved in the Jackson community. He was President of the Jackson Junior Chamber of Commerce and served as Chairman of the Board of the Metropolitan Jackson YMCA.
He was also the originator and first chairman of the Mississippi Arts Festival as well as serving as its first president. In addition, he was one of the earliest members of the Board of Directors of the Mississippi Institute of Arts and Letters, and later served as its President. Subsequently he served as an Emeritus board member. He was a founding member of the North Jackson Rotary Club and became its first President. Swan was also a Paul Harris Fellow and recognized as a Benefactor of the Rotary Foundation.
Swan was dedicated and committed to the legal profession in addition to his litigation practice. As a practicing attorney, he held an A rating from Martindale Hubbard. In 1982, He became a fellow of the American Association of Trial Lawyers. He was President of the Mississippi Chapter of the Federal Bar Association and the Mississippi Defense Lawyers Association.
In 1996, Swan was appointed by Mississippi Governor Kirk Fordice to serve as a Hinds County Circuit Court Judge to complete a two-year term remaining of a retiring Judge. Thereafter, he was elected to three additional four-year terms. Judge Yerger became a Senior Judge on the Hinds County Circuit Court in 2002 and served until his retirement at the end of 2010.
During his fourteen years on the bench, he presided over numerous civil and criminal trials. Judge Yerger was also awarded the Diploma of Judicial Skills by the American College of Judicial Skills.
However, it was his role as Husband, Father, and Grandfather where Swan shone even brighter. He was a pillar of strength and a constant source of love and support for his family. Whether he was providing guidance, sharing laughter, or offering a listening ear, Swan always prioritized his family. His love for his children and grandchildren as well as his parents, siblings, and friends knew no bounds, and he leaves behind cherished memories that will be forever treasured.
Swan enjoyed family and friends, collecting and reading first editions about the Revolutionary War, Civil War, World War I and World War II, watching SEC Football, Baseball, and staying current on National and World events. He and his wife, Gingia, moved to Fairhope, Alabama, permanently in 2021, which was a dream come true for Swan. They enjoyed many beautiful Alabama sunsets, wonderful friends and strolls at The Grand Hotel. He was also a member of St. James Episcopal Church in Fairhope.
His departure leaves an irreplaceable void in the lives of his family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing him. He will be remembered as a man of integrity, faith, compassion, and unwavering love of God, family, and country.
Our heartfelt thanks to the staff at The Retreat, Hospice by Saad, for the incredible, loving attention Swan received and the extraordinary care of the Fairhope Medical Community over the past few years.
Swan is survived by his wife, Gingia Yerger, Daughters Virginia Yerger Avisto and Rivers Yerger Puckett, Son in Law, Todd Puckett, and Grandchildren: Palmer Avisto, Harrison Avisto, Rivers Puckett, Mary Hastings Puckett, Carolina Puckett and Todd Puckett, Jr.
The family has chosen a private burial and kindly requests any Memorial donations be made to either the University of Mississippi Libraries or The Fairhope Public Library, both close to Swan’s heart.
University of Mississippi Libraries, University of Mississippi, P.O. Box 1848, University, MS 38677
Fairhope Public Library, 501 Fairhope Avenue, Fairhope, AL 36532
