Eugene Maxton "Gene" Skipper

NEWTON GROVE — Mr. Eugene Maxton "Gene" Skipper, Sr. 82, of 695 Mt. Olive Hwy, passed away peacefully at home Sunday evening, Jan. 29, 2023 with his loved ones by his side.

Born Nov. 4, 1940 in New Hanover County, Gene was one of four children born to the late William Howard Skipper, Sr. and Alene Ward Skipper. He was preceded in death, by his wife, Elizabeth "Lib" Jones Skipper. He was a general Superintendent in the bridge construction industry for over 40 years and retired with Sanford Contractors. After retirement he spent most of his time at North Topsail Island, with his wife, Lib, kids and grandchildren, where he enjoyed his favorite pasttime, fishing. He was an outstanding Dad, husband, and Papa. He had a heart of gold and always put others before himself, even up to his last moment on this earth. Papa will be greatly missed, but his legacy of love will continue on through his family.

Gene is survived by a daughter, Teresa DeVos and husband, Jack of Dunwoody, Georgia; son, Eugene "Max" Skipper, Jr. of Deltona, Florida; daughter, Debra Hairr (Jim Butler) of Clinton; son, Rusty Smith and wife, Helen of Willow Spring; sister, Kathleen Cope of Pleasant Garden; brother, William Howard Skipper, Jr. and wife, Lou of Cary; brother, Martin Earl Skipper and wife, Sharon of Hampstead. He was also blessed with eight grandchildren: Brandon Hairr (Diana), Lauren West (Joseph), Rachel Smith, Alison Smith, Kristen Karp (Philip), Katelyn Pike (Matthew), Dakota Czerniak (Gage) and Tucker Skipper; and six great-grandchildren: Gavin Hairr, Kadelyn Hairr, Zannah Hairr, Barrett West, Maddox West and Miles Karp.

The family would like to thank the nurses and staff at Community Hospice for going above and beyond to Papa Gene. They would also like to thank Sheila McLamb, Beverly Bailey and Katie Thomas. They could not have gotten through this without you!

A funeral service will be held on Friday, Feb. 3, at 2 p.m. at the Royal-Hall Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Bill Jones officiating. Burial will follow in the Clinton Cemetery. Visitation with family and friends will be held prior to the service, beginning at 1 p.m., at the funeral home.

Royal-Hall is honored to serve the family.