Nathan Richard Skipper, Jr.

Nathan R. Skipper, Jr. passed away on Friday, December 22, at his home in Trent Woods, while being cared for by his wife of 36 years, Karen. He battled numerous medical conditions, although recently he had been in good spirits and had rested comfortably.

Nate grew up in Scotts Hill, N.C., son of Nathan R. and Mary Dell Sidbury Skipper. He graduated from New Hanover High School where he was nicknamed “the silver tongued orator” because of his success in declamation contests. His team went to New York City where they received special honors and made themselves proud.

Nate served as a pilot in the United States Air Force and AF Reserves for 14 years. He flew paratroopers around the globe and also flew the nuclear deterrence mission during the Cold War. His extensive professional legal career covered positions at: Cravath, Swaine, and Moore in Manhattan; Ford Motor Company in Dearborn, Michigan, and General Counsel of Volkswagen of America in Troy, Michigan. Locally, he was a partner at Ward and Smith.

Nate studied at Duke University, graduating Phi Beta Kappa and receiving an AB degree in accounting and business. He returned to Duke University where he received a Juris Doctorate in 1962. Anyone who knew Nate knew he was an avid amateur photographer and camera collector, and earned an Associate of Applied Science degree in cinematography from Oakland Community College.

Nate was a man of many talents, interests, and hobbies. This included sports car rally racing, sailing, flying, growing bonsai trees, collecting Swiss Army knives, and of course, all things photographic. As a lifelong amateur photographer, he made tens of thousands of photos and was a dedicated student of the art form. He was well known for his meticulous skill with a camera and photography in all forms was his passion.

Nate was a member of many professional legal and photographic organizations including: the American Bar Association, Sons of the American Revolution, North Carolina Bar Association, Phi Delta Phi, and the Leica Society International.

He was phenomenally diligent, and dedicated to all within his scope. Nate Skipper was an officer and a gentleman, a loving husband and father; he will be eternally missed by his wife, children, family, and friends alike.

He is survived by his wife, Karen; his son, Nathan R. Skipper, III, (Sharon); his daughter, Valerie Lynne Hubbell (Gregory). Nate had five grandchildren: Nathan Skipper, IV, Brandon Skipper, Robert Skipper, Gregory Hubbell, Jr., and Madison Hubbell; and one great granddaughter, Evalyn Skipper. He also leaves behind his brother, David and his sister Rowena Gyorke (Roderick).

A visitation for family and friends will be held on Friday, January 12th at the Cotten Funeral Home from 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm. The funeral service will be held on Saturday, January 13th, at 1:00 pm in the chapel of the Wesleyan Chapel United Methodist Church, 10255 US Highway 17 N., Scotts Hill, NC.

The family would like to thank Gentiva Hospice, Melinda Wheeler, and Community Based Services for their love and support. Memorials may be made to the Cemetery Fund of the Wesleyan Chapel United Methodist Church, Scotts Hill.

Cotten Funeral Home is honored to serve the family and friends of Nathan Richard Skipper, Jr.