Philanthropy Takes Flight: The Legacy of Bonnie "Swamp" Smith
Apr 30, 2026 03:50PM ● By Kelsey Swire
Bonnie Lee “Swamp” Smith loved to fly—but his life did not begin so freely.
At just 14 years old, he went to work for a pipeline company after his father passed away, helping support his mother and himself. As his wife of 61 years, Sharon Smith, shared, “Bonnie went to work as a gopher. He had to grow up fast.”
It was there he earned the nickname “Swamp,” a nod to the “swampers” often assigned entry-level work. Over time, Bonnie worked his way up—from operator to heavy equipment operator, gang boss, and superintendent—eventually leading projects on nearly every continent.
His pipeline career also introduced him to aviation, sparking a lifelong passion. “He would use an airplane to check the right-of-way,” Sharon recalled. “He loved the camaraderie among fellow pilots, and we spent years attending and hosting fly-ins across the country.”
In the 1960s, Sharon reached a milestone of her own earning her pilot’s license at a time when few women did. “I passed on my first try and helped Bonnie study, though it took him three tries,” she said with a smile. “We bought our first plane, a Cessna 182, and over the years, we owned five aircraft.”
Beyond his accomplishments, Bonnie was known for his spirit. “He was a wonderful person—a joker who never took himself too seriously,” Sharon said. “He loved the adventure of flying.”
That shared love of aviation inspired Sharon to give back through the SOWELA Foundation, establishing scholarships for aviation maintenance and contributing to the establishment of a flight school at SOWELA Technical Community College.
“Bonnie always encouraged others to continue their education,” she said. “He never had the opportunity himself, leaving school in eighth grade to support his family. I want his story to be remembered. He was an exceptional person.”
Through this generous gift, Bonnie’s legacy will continue to lift others, helping students pursue careers in aviation and take flight toward their own futures.
SOWELA’s Flight School is projected to open in Fall 2026.
For information on the SOWELA Foundation, visit www.sowela.edu/give.