Mr. Skipper was a lifelong resident of Brunswick, and a proud graduate of Glynn Academy, Class of 1955.
He was employed by Union Camp Corporation (later known as International Paper), for 35 years until his retirement.
He served for 42 years in the Georgia Army National Guard as a proud member of the 166th Maintenance Company out of Hinesville Ga. He retired as a Chief Warrant Officer 4. His last active duty service was during Operation Desert Shield/Desert Storm. During his military career he received honors and awards including the Army Service Ribbon, the National Defense Service Medal, the Army Reserve Components Achievement Medal (3rd Oak Leaf Cluster), the Armed Forces Reserve Medal (2nd Oak Leaf Cluster), the Army Reserve Components Achievement Medal (1st Oak Leaf Cluster) and the Unites States Army Sharpshooter Qualification Badge.
He was an excellent athlete who loved sports, especially baseball and golf. While attending Glynn Academy, he played football his freshman and sophomore years until he found his true passion, baseball. He became a member of the Glynn Academy Red Terrors Baseball Team and served as a first baseman and a left-handed pitcher.
He never wavered in his passion for sports. He played for and managed several softball teams in the Glynn County Recreational League. Later in life, he found a love for and became an avid golfer. He began his golfing journey at the Glynco Golf Course and was a long time member of the Brunswick Country Club. He had the privilege of experiencing 3 holes-in-one during his lifetime; one at the Glynco Golf Course and two at the Brunswick Country Club. He enjoyed many years of teeing off at the ‘crack of dawn’ and telling stories and tales while playing with his foursome buddies, Tim Rozier, Leroy Drader, Blinky Knight and Jimmy Thornton. Occasionally, they would pick up a “youngster” to play with them, to teach and share their wisdom about the game of golf; but rare was the youngster up early enough to tee off with them!
He often said that his greatest accomplishments were his daughters and granddaughters. He was enormously proud of them, and took great comfort in their kindness and their strength of character. Some of his happiest moments came from spending time with his granddaughters and all of their friends. He always had a kind heart and a good word to say to the younger generation, encouraging them to be kind and do their best in everything. Thus, he was called “PePa” by many a child with whom he had no blood ties, but significant heart ties. His consistent companionship on field trips, at school functions and sporting events resulted in heart-warming and hilarious memories which will be treasured by all.
He was preceded in death by his parents Ruby Gamble Skipper and Sherman B. Skipper, Sr. as well as siblings Sherman B. Skipper, Jr., Louise Skipper Clifton, Geneva Skipper Smith, Allie Skipper Carter and Linda Skipper Bare
He is survived and mourned by Ernestine Geiger Skipper, his wife of 63 years, his daughters Carol Skipper Boone (Keith) of Brunswick Ga. and Tina Skipper Martin (Jason) of Stanley, NC. , his granddaughters Taylor Boone Stewart (Ian) , Chester, SC., Erin Alexandra (Allex) Boone, Valdosta, GA. and Madison Leigh Boone, of Auburn, AL. , his sister Mary Skipper Jackson (David) of Brunswick, Ga., his beloved sister in law, Wanda Geiger Nelson, Darien, GA and many beloved nieces and nephews.
As per his request, no service will be held. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in his honor to Coastal Georgia Honor Flight, Inc.,P.O. Box 20466, St Simons Island, GA 31522. https://www.coastalgeorgiahonorflight.org
Arrangements are entrusted into the care of Edo Miller and Sons Funeral Home www.edomillerandsons.com
