Johnny Skinner, 75, of Tifton died Monday, December 30, 2013, at the Medical Center of Central Georgia in Macon. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, January 3, 2014, in the Chapel of Bowen-Donaldson Home for Funerals. Rev. Donnie Wright will officiate with burial to follow in Oak Ridge Cemetery. Chris Skates, Nathan Skates, Simmy McKeown, Sr., Mark Mathis, J. R. Skinner and Chad Nalls will serve as pallbearers. The family will receive friends on Thursday, January 2, 2014, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. in the Chapel of Bowen-Donaldson Home for Funerals.
Mr. Skinner was born on March 27, 1938 in Tift County. He was the son of James (Jim) Skinner and Siller Noland Skinner, both deceased. He was also preceded in death by two brothers, Albert Skinner and Chester Skinner; and one sister, Essie May. Mr. Skinner worked his whole life in agriculture. He helped his parents farm tobacco fields from an early age. He earned his Associate Degree from Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College. He dedicated 39 years of service to the U. S. Department of Agriculture as a research technician before retiring. He was a member of Northside Baptist Church. Throughout his life, Mr. Skinner could be found camping with friends in the North Georgia Mountains, fishing on Panama City Beach, or listening to bluegrass gospel music. He was always ready to bless the food, tell a good joke, or fix whatever was broken. He taught his children and grandchildren the importance of hard work and determination, leading by example until his last days.
Mr. Skinner is survived by his wife, Barbara Harrison Skinner of Tifton; one son and daughter-in-law, Randy and Rachel Skinner of Brunswick; one daughter and son-in-law, Tracy and Chris Skates of Paducah, Kentucky; three sisters, Frances Mathis of Tifton, Jean Bryant and Nell Adams, both of Conyers; eight grandchildren, Ashton Rose Skates, Nathan Skates, Harrison Skinner, Claudia Skinner, Abigayle Skinner, Zoey Skinner, Zane Skinner and Gavin Davis; a sister-in-law, JoAnn Smith of Tifton; and a brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Bubba and Cynthia Harrison of Tifton.