William Skinner Jones

1937 - 2022

William Skinner Jones, 85, of Hampton, Virginia, died August 28, 2022, at Sentara Careplex with his family by his side. He was born on April 23, 1937 to Flora Brooke Reynolds Jones and William E.S.Jones in Culpeper, Virginia. After graduating from Culpeper High School, Skinner served in the United States Air Force from 1959 to 1963. He continued his education in the NASA Apprentice School from 1963-1967. Skinner worked in the Composite Materials Section at NASA, retiring as the head of the Section in 1996. After retirement he enjoyed tax preparation during tax season. He married Elaine Forbes on April 12,1963 and they have three children, Jeff (Cynthia), Sherri Pigue (Mason) and Melanie Wilhelm (Mark). Together they have seven grandchildren: Emily (Peck), Kaitlynn, and Chris Jones; Elaina and Deana Pigue; and McKay and Madison Wilhelm. He is also survived by two sisters, Mickey Bates and Margaret Karppinen. Skinner was a loving husband, father, brother, grandfather, son, and friend. He was an avid vegetable and flower gardener. He enjoyed spending his days outdoors and in his home with his wife. He was a member and active deacon of West Hampton Baptist Church. He was a true example of Jesus' hands and feet, happily serving in a variety of areas. There was no job too insignificant for Skinner. Visitation will be at 10:30 AM and the funeral at 11:30 AM. Both will be held at West Hampton Baptist Church on Saturday, September 3, 2022. Memorials may be made to West Hampton Baptist Church.