Wilson Farant Skinner Jr.

Wilson Farant “Bill” Skinner, Jr. was a gifted athlete, a relentless problem-solver and a devoted husband and father whose greatest accomplishment was raising a family grounded in kindness, persistence, resilience and a deep belief that good things will happen.

He was born on September 3, 1946, in Newport News, Virginia to Wilson Farant “Bud” Skinner and Lucille Fulton “Chub” Skinner. He grew up in Williamsburg, where he would spend his life building a family, a career and a lasting presence in the community. He died on April 17, 2026, in Williamsburg, Virginia.

He is survived by his high school sweetheart and wife of nearly 57 years, Hope Skillman Skinner; his two sons, Wilson Farant “Todd” Skinner, III (Leslie) and William Kempton Jeffrey Skinner (Brenda); his grandchildren, Isabel Balana and William Antonio; his sisters, Betty Skinner Chappell (Ed) and Ann Skinner Hornsby (Bobby) and many special cousins, nieces and nephews.

Bill attended Matthew Whaley School and graduated from James Blair High School, where he distinguished himself as a standout athlete, earning a football scholarship to Virginia Tech. His time in Blacksburg, alongside his teammates later known as the “Claiborne Boys,” helped shape a lifelong belief in perseverance, discipline and the ability to endure hardship with others.

He went on to graduate from the College of William & Mary School of Law and remained in Williamsburg to build his legal career. He practiced law for decades, eventually working alongside his son Todd in a focused Estate Planning practice. He also served his community as an Assistant Commissioner of Accounts and as Chief Magistrate for the 9th Judicial District, roles that reflected his steady judgment and commitment to responsibility.

Bill was a lifelong member of Williamsburg Presbyterian Church, serving as an Elder. He was active in the Williamsburg Rotary Club, Williamsburg German Club and the Pulaski Club. He served as Chairman of the 2014 Williamsburg Reunion, contributing to the life and continuity of the hometown he loved.

Throughout his life, he remained deeply connected to sports and excelled in basketball, racquetball, tennis, skiing and running. He was a mediocre golfer. He enjoyed the water, especially time spent on the James River. But his most meaningful moments were with his sons, throwing a baseball or football in the backyard, instilling in them the belief that they could endure challenges and reach their full potential through effort.

In his later years, Bill faced Alzheimer’s disease, a condition that gradually took from him the independence and problem-solving skills that had defined his life. It was a difficult and humbling chapter for him and for his family. As the disease progressed, the foundational beliefs he had built throughout his life were tested in ways he never envisioned but did not disappear. The values he lived, including steadiness, persistence and belief in a better future, were evident in the way his family never gave up caring for him and for one another.

He died surrounded by his wife and sons, with tears, laughter and a shared understanding that what he most cherished in life would endure.

A memorial service will be held at Williamsburg Presbyterian Church on Friday, May 8 at 3:00 PM, with a short reception to follow.

Bill will be remembered as an honest and good man who believed in hard work, in family and in holding fast to one’s values. His legacy continues through his sons and grandchildren, who carry forward his belief that even through adversity, good things can still happen.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the VA Caregiver Support Program within the VA Capitol Health Care Network (VISN 5), where his son Jeff is a radiation oncologist, supporting veterans and their caregivers, including those living with dementia.

On Donation Portal-

Select Facility: VA Maryland Health Care System Baltimore, Loch Raven, & Perry Point VA Medical Centers

Select the Program for Donation: Baltimore VA All Purpose Account

At the bottom of the donation form, type in the Donor Intent box: Caregiver Support Program

https://www.pay.gov/public/form/start/46400615/