Robert J Skinner

Robert Joseph “Bob” Skinner passed away on June 9, 2026, in Dallas, Texas. He lived a full and meaningful life marked by deep devotion to his family, pride in his work, loyalty to his friends, and a generous spirit that made others feel welcome.

Bob was born on June 13, 1946, in San Bernardino, California. He grew up in Dallas and graduated from Thomas Jefferson High School in 1964. He went on to attend North Texas State University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Arts in 1968.

While at North Texas, Bob was an active member of Sigma Nu fraternity, forming friendships and memories that remained important to him throughout his life. In later years, he built a new fraternity house for the chapter, where the chapter room was named in his honor—a lasting tribute to his commitment, generosity, and the respect he earned from those around him.

After college, Bob embarked on a career that would reflect both his practical abilities and his desire to build something lasting. He began his career as a teacher at W.T. White for 10 years. While teaching, he also became a residential home builder by founding his company, Sleepy Hollow Homes, in 1969. Through hard work, skill, and a clear eye for quality, Bob built a business that stood as a reflection of his values. He took great pride in creating homes where families would build lives and make memories of their own.

Bob’s greatest joy was his family. He is survived by his wife and high school sweetheart, Julie Skrodzki Skinner. Bob and Julie met during their senior year of high school, and their love story continued through college and 57 years of marriage. Together, they built a life filled with family, tradition, friendship, and countless treasured moments.

Bob was a loving father to Robert Joseph Skinner, Jr. and his wife, Addie, and to Kristi Skinner Vanderwoude and her husband, Brian. He was a proud grandfather to Davis and Sarah Skinner and Katy, Emily, and James Vanderwoude. His family was the center of his world, and he found great happiness in watching it grow through the years. He is also survived by his sister, Barbara Skinner Allan, and her husband, Jim, whose presence in his life was deeply valued. Bob was preceded in death by his parents, Raymond Thomas Skinner and Helen Quackenbush Skinner.

Bob had many interests that reflected his energy, enthusiasm, and love of shared experiences. He enjoyed waterskiing, Corvettes, and motorcycles, but also had a soft spot for Malteses. He also enjoyed golf, and took great pride in watching his son compete for the University of Texas Longhorns. But, above all, he especially loved spending time at Hide-A-Way Lake, where for 52 years he welcomed friends and family with his trademark hospitality. Each Fourth of July, Bob gathered loved ones there for celebrations that became part of the rhythm of family life. Those days at the lake—filled with laughter, tradition, and togetherness—will be remembered fondly for generations.

Bob will be remembered for the family he cherished, the friendships he nurtured, the homes he built, and the joy he brought to the people around him. His legacy lives on in the lives he touched and in the many memories made because of his love, generosity, and steady presence. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

Services will be held at Sparkman Hillcrest Funeral Home, 7405 W. Northwest Highway, Dallas, Texas, at 2:00 p.m. on June 17, 2026, with a reception to follow. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to AWARE North Texas, 3419 Westminster Ave PMB 406G, Dallas, Texas 75205.