Kenneth R. Skinner, Jr.

Funeral services was held on Wednesday, December 29, 2021, 11:00 a.m. at Dawson Baptist Church, 9775 13 Bridges Road, Enfield, North Carolina. There was a public viewing on Wednesday, December 29th at the church, beginning at 9:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m.  Burial followed in Staton Memorial Cemetery, located on River Road, Scotland Neck, NC.  Arrangements were handled by Shawn Lea Funeral Home of Scotland Neck.

Kenneth Raynor Skinner Jr., of Scotland Neck, NC transitioned to heaven, Monday, December 20, 2021.

Ken was born in Martin County, January 12, 1948 graduating from Brawley High School in 1965 and from Shaw University with a bachelor’s degree in Mathematics.  He married the love of his life and high school sweetheart Gloria, on September 20, 1969.

After college Ken accepted a job at Aetna Insurance Company in Hartford, Connecticut where he worked 35 years as a computer programmer.  In CT, he was an active bowler of The National Bowling Association and mentor to the Jr Bowling League with longtime friend Jake Trotman.  He attended Agape Christian Center where he first accepted Christ as his Lord and Savior and later served as a member and Deacon at Shiloh Baptist Church where he was prominent and dedicated servant to the youth ministry. 

After retirement, he moved back to his hometown of Scotland Neck and devoted his time to doing things he loved.  This led him to the Senior Center where he worked part-time along with his wife, helping with the day to day operations, coordinating congregate meals, and senior center activities.  He served on the board of many organizations, including the Scotland Neck Senior Center, Scotland Neck Recreation Center, Scotland Neck Small Business Association, Sylvan Heights Bird Park, Shaw University Alumni of Seaboard, Down East Animal Rescue (DEAR) and was an active participant in coordinating Brawley High School reunions.  Until his passing he volunteered weekly delivering for Meals on Wheels and caring for dogs at (DEAR). 

In addition to the above, he also served as a Deacon at William Chapel Baptist Church and most recently serving as a deacon at Dawson Baptist Church where he was an active member until his passing.  There he dutifully taped sermons and transcribed them for the members and made sure to include his favorite joke of the day.

Most importantly he was a walking true testament of the love of Christ and a devoted servant of the Lord who showed acts of kindness, empathy, and compassion in many ways.  At home he was a doting husband, father, and grandfather, escorting his wife EVERYWHERE.  Praying with his grandchildren every day before school, becoming their unofficial Driver’s Ed teacher and one of their biggest fans for Maurice and Madison in all their endeavors.  Equally important he was a caretaker to his most beloved dog Chancey and grand-dog Frankie. 

He is survived by his loving wife of 52 years, Gloria Skinner.  Children:  Marshall (Celena) Skinner of San Diego CA and Joyce (Steven) Betts, Bloomfield, CT.  Grandchildren:  Dominque Skinner (NY), Dana Skinner (AZ), Maurice Betts, and Madison Betts (NC).  Bonus Grandchildren: Maliah Marcus (CA), Keena Yelling (CT), Lexie Coleman (CT), Kashmiere Wiggins (MD) and great granddaughter Kennedi Coleman (CT).  A host of people that hold a distinct place in his heart: cousin Gloria Skinner-Pettiford and the multitude of Skinner cousins; in-laws Claudia (Dennis) Butler (MD); special niece Tymia Wiggins (MD); favorite niece Kim Wiggins(MD) and family; and a host of nieces and nephews.