William Howard Skipper

William Howard Skipper, born on the 14th of October, 1934, died at home on the 5th of August, 2023. William (Bill) was known to many as "Skipper", or to those closest as "Papa". He is survived by his wife, Lou Skipper, children, Cherry Cooper (Bill), Lynn Slate (Terry), his grandchildren, Somer Hamrick (Travis), Wil Cooper (Janet), Taylor Slate, and Madison Wright (Winn), and his four great-grandchildren, SJ Bailey, Cale Cooper, Victoria Slate, and Banks Hamrick.

Born in Maco, NC to Howard and Alene Skipper, Bill was raised in Wilmington, NC. He is survived by two siblings, Martin (Sharon) Skipper and Kathleen Cope and by deceased brother, Gene Skipper (Lib).

Establishing roots in Cary, NC, Bill coached Cherry and Lynn's softball team, South Hills, for years. He is loved and remembered by many of his former players for his tenacity to win. His daughters might even jokingly say, at all costs, though a revelry of celebration would often follow a win.

Bill's professional successes were grounded in his hard work and determination that led him from "digging ditches", as he would say, at Columbus Contractors to later becoming their President. He retired as a partner with Enpuricon, Inc.

Others in Cary may have met Bill at MacGregor Downs on the links or in the clubhouse sipping on a Bourbon and Sprite. If it were a holiday party, the dance floor would have been just as fine of a bet for running into him. In his retirement, Bill and Lou relished travelling, from Alaska to Europe, by sea and by plane. They made friends along the way, always making room at the table. The same was true for their home as their door stayed open for folks to pay a visit. Many a Christmas Eve saw visitors pass through and toast with the family.

Of all of Bill's successes, it is safe to say that he took his greatest pride in his family. He loved deeply. The kind of love that left you certain of how important you were to him. There was no greater evidence of this than his love for Lou, his bride of more than 67 years.

While he will be greatly missed as a husband, a father, a friend, and our Papa, his memory will remain in our hearts for years to come.

Special thank you to Transitions Hospice & His Name Media Group for excellent care.

In honor of Bill's legacy, and in lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research. (www.michaeljfox.org)