Charles Leroy Skipworth

Charles L Skipworth, age 88, died Thursday, December 8, 2011 at Covenant Woods Retirement Center. He is survived by his daughter, Ruth Ellen Skipworth Lawrence of West Palm Beach, FL, his son, Charles E. Skipworth of Acworth, GA and his partner, Jimmy L. Moore, and one brother, Dr. George B. Skipworth.

A memorial service with Dr. James C. Elder, Jr. officiating is planned at First Baptist Church, Columbus, where he was a life-long member. The service will be held at 11:00 AM, Thursday, December 29, 2011, following private interment at Riverdale Cemetery. A reception will be held in the church Fellowship Hall after the service for the family to greet friends.

He was predeceased by his wife of 56 years, Eva Lowe Baisden Skipworth and his parents, Mr. and Mrs. William B. Skipworth as well as by two brothers, W.B. Skipworth, Jr. and James T. Skipworth. Other survivors include numerous nieces and nephews and a host of friends to whom he was affectionately known as "Skip."

Born in Columbus and educated in its public schools, he was graduated from Columbus High School. He attended Auburn University and remained a loyal War Eagle fan all of his life. World War II interrupted his college education and he served in the U.S. Army in the European Theatre. After the war, he returned home and opened a photography studio. As a young businessman he was very active in the Columbus Jaycees. Later he joined his older brother, W. B. Skipworth, in the photo finishing business. The brothers were famous for their garden on the business premises located on South Lumpkin Road, competing to see who could raise the biggest or the most unusual vegetable or at least out-brag each other.

He continued to garden everywhere he lived, specializing most recently in amaryllis lilies as well as his vegetables. His other hobbies included fishing and cooking, and he was often seen delivering loaves of his sour dough bread to friends who were shut-ins. A highlight of this past year was going with a group of World War II veterans on the Honor Flight to Washington, D.C., accompanied by his daughter.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to First Baptist Church, 212 12th Street, Columbus, Georgia 31901 or the charity of your choice.