A celebration of the life of William (Bill) Gray Skinner will be held at Milner & Orr Funeral Home Paducah with Billy Rodgers officiating on Saturday October 1, 2016 at 11am. Visitation will begin Friday September 30, 2016 from 5pm until 8pm.
Bill 84, passed away peacefully at home on September 23, 2016. He is survived by a large and loving family. Survivors include his dedicated wife Jan. Son's and families include Dr. Hal Skinner and daughters Sloane, Anna, and Sara of Lexington, Ky. Dr. Steve Skinner and children Michael, Brooke, Christina, and Joshua of Cullman, Al. Son Jeff Duncan, wife Brandy, and sons Westin, Wyatt, and Marvens of St.Louis, Mo. Son Steven Skinner, Esq. of Paducah, Ky. Daughter's Holly Henderson, RPh., great-granddaughter Kayli Zink, grandson Brandon Henderson, spouse Amy, great-grandson Gage Henderson and family Anthony Crass, Justin Crass, Emily Kinsey, and Easton Crass of Paducah, Ky. Dr. Shari Skinner and spouse Brian Kelley of Fort Myers, Fl. and Brittany Speicher, Esq. and spouse Staff Sergeant Bradley Speicher of Surprise, Az. Step-daughter Beth Sanderson of Paducah and step-son Brent Sanderson, spouse Kristen, and family Bradyn and Brooklyn, step granddaughters Alex and Charley McGregor of Paducah, and many cousins, nieces, and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents Arthur and Argus Brandon Skinner, a brother Joe Skinner, a sister Mary Crenshaw and granddaughter Heather Henderson.
Bill graduated from Tilghman High School class of 1950 and enlisted in the military. He trained as a naval cadet 1953-1957 in Pensacola, Fl and Kingsville, TX where he received his wings and was commissioned as a Lieutenant in the Marine Corps. He was assigned to Cherry Point, NC where he flew fighter planes as part of the famous "Checkerboard Squadron". Upon retiring he served in the reserves as a captain. He attended Samford University Pharmacy School in Birmingham, Al. where he graduated with honors in 1958 and received the Lunsford-Richardson Pharmacy Award. Later he owned and operated Bill's Pharmacy for many years. He enjoyed farming and would often carry produce to the drug store to share with his patrons.
An avid horseman, he worked with the 4H horse program, was president of the West Kentucky Horseman's Association, and chairman of the western horse show at the McCracken County Fair from the early 1970's through 2016. Also, known for his love of basketball, he played for Paducah Junior College, in the marines, Samford University, Paducah's adult recreation league, and coached a youth church league. Bill also served on the McCracken County School Board for 8 years.
Remembrances can be made to Cassidy's Cause Therapeutic Riding Academy 6075 Clinton Rd. Paducah, KY 42001.
Condolences may be left online at www.milnerandorr.com.
In GOD we TRUST!!!
