David Skinner

David served in the United States Air Force in France before attending Mississippi College, where he met Louise Gregory, his beloved wife of more than 40 years. He later graduated from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary and Mid-America Baptist Theological Seminary.

For more than 60 years, Dr. Skinner faithfully preached the gospel of Jesus Christ. During his ministry, he pastored churches in Mississippi, Louisiana, Tennessee, and Arkansas. He also joined Mid-America Baptist Theological Seminary as one of its earliest faculty members. Over the course of more than 40 years at Mid-America, Dr. Skinner served as a professor of Hebrew and Old Testament, and as the seminary’s academic vice president, investing his life in preparing generations of preachers and ministers.

He was a gifted scholar who loved the Scriptures. He loved preaching the Gospel, teaching preachers, and helping others know and understand the Word of God. His influence lives on through the many students, pastors, churches, and families touched by his faithful ministry.

Beyond the pulpit and classroom, David enjoyed writing, gardening, and carpentry. Above all, he was a faithful and devoted husband to Louise and a loving father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. His love, wisdom, faith, and steady presence shaped the lives of his entire family.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Louise Gregory Skinner; his parents, Emmett Henry Skinner and Callie Skinner; his brothers, Harold Skinner, Jimmy Skinner, Hugh Skinner, and Louis Skinner; and his sisters, Marie Bean, Vivian Brown, and Elizabeth Strowd.

David is survived by his daughter, Tammy Skinner; sons, David “Bubba” Skinner, Jr., Ray Skinner (Traci), Stephen Skinner (Melinda), and Robert Skinner (Jennie); grandchildren, Trey Skinner, Morgan Hurdle (Hunter), Allie Skinner, Cole Skinner, Ben Skinner (Meredith), Sydney Skinner, Lindsey Grace Skinner, and Luke Skinner; and great-grandchildren, Lily Kate Hurdle, Charlotte Louise Hurdle, Eli Hurdle, and Jane Skinner. He is also survived by his sisters-in-law, Shirley Skinner, Lena Gregory, and Glenda Gregory; brother-in-law, Sam Gregory (Charlotte); as well as a multitude of beloved nieces and nephews.

A service celebrating Dr. David Skinner’s life will be held on Friday, September 11 at Crossroads Baptist Church in Eads, Tennessee. Visitation will begin at 9:00 a.m., followed by the funeral service at 10:30 a.m. A graveside service will be held at 1:00 p.m. at Gerizim Cemetery in Myrtle, Mississippi.