Samuel Arthur Skey

He was the fourth of six children born to Martha and Fred Skey of Sumter, South Carolina and entered the United States Navy in 1946 at the age of 17. From 1952 to his retirement in 1973, he proudly served in the United States Air Force, achieving the rank of Senior Master Sergeant. During his military career, he served in both the Korean and Vietnam Wars and was stationed in various places within the U.S., including the District of Columbia, South Carolina, Oklahoma, and Colorado - as well as abroad in the Dominican Republic, Bermuda, and the U.S. Embassy in New Zealand.

In 1954, Sam married Zelma Falls, in Greenville, South Carolina and they had three children: Debra, Anne, and Sam, Jr. In 2003, Zelma passed away after a long battle with cancer. Years later, Sam met Rosalind Ceson, who was his companion for close to 12 years before her passing in 2017.

From 1972 until his death, Sam lived in “God’s Country” in northern Greenville County where he enjoyed freezing and canning the produce from his enormous garden. He was an active member of Mt. Lebanon Baptist Church in Greer where he enjoyed teaching the men’s Sunday School class. Sam was an avid researcher of genealogy and proudly traced his family tree back to his English roots.

Sam was a loving husband, father, grandfather “Papa”, and great-grandfather. He loved the Lord and was a daily student of the Bible. His family will remember him as a servant of God and for his witty and entertaining sense of humor.

Sam is survived by his children: Debra S. Townson (Wesley); Anne S. Fyans (Scott); Sam Skey, Jr.; grandchildren: Christina Johnson; Lindsey Caballero; Logan Townson; Lauren Townson; Austin Skey; Paige Iddings; Ivy Fyans; and eight great-grandchildren; sister: Emma S. Davis of Sumter, SC and numerous nieces and nephews.

Sam was predeceased by his spouse, Zelma Falls Skey; companion, Rosalind Ceson; parents, Martha and Fred Skey; brothers: James Skey and Charles “Buddy” Skey; sisters: Lillian S. Davis and Edley S. Tillery.

Family will receive visitors prior to graveside service at 12:00 Noon on Saturday, August 12, 2023 at Woodlawn Memorial Park, 1 Pine Knoll Drive, Greenville, SC 29609. A graveside service with military honors for Sam will follow at 1:00 PM.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Disabled American Veterans DAV or SC Cancer Alliance.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.mackeywoodlawn.com for the Skey family.