Ernest Guy Skinner Jr.

KINSTON - Mr. Ernest Guy Skinner, Jr., 99, of 2500 Welsh Ct, Kinston passed away peacefully on September 21, 2017. He was the son of the late Ernest Guy Skinner, Sr. and Selma Wells Skinner of Greene County. Mr. Skinner was born on the family farm December 26, 1917 and was the oldest of four siblings. "Guy" was a local businessman and well known in the Kinston community. He operated Skinner's Bypass Shell and Skinner's Automotive for over 30 years. A WWII Veteran, Guy was involved in the the Battle of Cassino and Battle of the Bulge where he served in the Army with the Horse Drawn Artillery. He enjoyed being active in his local chapter of the VFW and American Legion. A few years ago, Guy was awarded a key to the city as a member of the "Wounded Warriers Eight Eighties" group. He was a past president of The Exchange Club of Kinston and enjoyed working at their fundraising events. He especially enjoyed working at the Lenoir County Fair where his "grilled cheese" sandwiches were in great demand. Guy was a private pilot and flew his plane not only for enjoyment, but flew missions for the Civil Air Patrol. Some years later at age 96, he had the distinction of holding the title of "oldest private pilot in NC." Guy still loved gardening in his retirement years, and his green thumb allowed him to supply friends and family with fresh vegetables from his garden. He enjoyed weekly fishing trips to the coast until a few years ago. Guy helped install the rails for the miniature train at the Nature Center of Kinston and filled in as Engineer when needed. As an active member of Westminster UMC, he enjoyed his role as "greeter" and working with fellow greeter "Miss Jane." His life touched most Kinstonians in some way through the years. He is survived by his son, Stephen C. Skinner and wife Meredith, of Raleigh, a daughter, Louise S. Charlesbois and husband Richard, of Murells Inlet, S.C.; grandchildren, Drm Clay Rouse of Cary, Riddick Skinner (Sara) of Raleigh, Hollon Benson (Whitley) of Raleigh and Lora Squibb (Dustin) of Fayetteville; great-grandchildren, Harrison, Logan, Bennett and Surry Skinner, Heath and Eliza Benson all of Raleigh, and Ace, Ryanne, and Zane Squibb of Fayetteville. He is also survived by his sister, Virginia Wainright of Winterville; nephews Fred Wainright, and George Skinner; nieces Joan Williams, Jana Fields and Gigi Alcock. He enjoyed special relationships with his deceased wife Carleta's children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, his uncles, cousins and especially his nieces and nephews in Virginia. He particularly treasured his lifetime friendship with classmate, Edith Hegepeth and her family. He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Carleta A. Skinner, brother William (Bill) Skinner, sister Hazel Fields and a grandson, Adam Blakely Rouse. A memorial service to celebrate Guy's life will be held at 11a.m. at Westminster UMC on Sept 27. In lieu of flowers, please direct donations to The Kinston Exchange Club, 515 Darden Drive, Kinston, NC 28504 or any charity of your choice. Online condolences may be sent to garner-funeralhome.com. Garner Funeral Home is assisting the family and