Harold (Hal) Francis Swanson Jr., 77, of Huntsville, Alabama, passed away on Thursday, December 19, 2024. Hal was born in Elmwood Park, Illinois in August 1947.

Hal received a bachelor's in political science from the University of Oklahoma in 1980. He went on to earn two masters, in public administration and management, from Troy University and a PhD in Organizational Management from Capella University. Hal joined the Navy in 1964 at 17 years old, and served two tours in Vietnam, first aboard the USS Bordelon and later on the USS Duncan. Hal retired from the Navy in 1998 as a lieutenant commander after serving his country for nearly 25 years. He will be remembered by his friends for his contributions to Rolling Thunder, Alabama, and the North Alabama Veterans and Fraternal Organizations Coalition and for his love of rescue dogs and motorcycles.

He is survived by his wife, Laurel, brother Bill and wife Colleen (Daytona, FL), son Will Sterling and wife Catherine (Cucamonga, CA), son Bill Swanson (Henderson, NV), daughter Deirdre Strunk and husband Donnie (Las Vegas, NV), niece Georgia Camille Swanson (Charleston, SC), and numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren.

The family is planning a celebration of life at Diamonds Sports Bar, 11208 Memorial Parkway SW, Huntsville, AL on Saturday, January 18th, 2025 from one to three in the afternoon. Hal will be interred at Arlington National Cemetery at a later date.

Berryhill Funeral Home assisted the family.