Ralph "Donald" Skinner

Ralph "Donald" Skinner, 76, of Greenville, passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, August 19, 2025 at his home. His passing has left a void in the hearts of his family, friends, and many more whose lives were touched by him.

A graveside service will be held Sunday at 2 PM in the Mausoleum at Pinewood Memorial Park.

After graduating from Monroe High School, Don attended East Carolina University and joined the Phi Kappa Tau fraternity. The members of this fraternity remained steadfast friends with whom he talked daily. He often stated how blessed he was to have had such great adventures, and treasured building new memories. Don left ECU and joined the Army Reserve, later returning to receive a Bachelor's degree in Intermediate Education, a Master's degree in Elementary Education, and a Master's in Education Administration, all from East Carolina University. In 1974, he began a distinguished career in education that spanned 29 years. All of his years of service to public education were given to the students, parents, and communities of Edgecombe County. During his career, he served as teacher, assistant principal, principal, Director of Public Relations, Director of Personnel, and Executive Director of Testing and Accountability.

Don loved all things ECU. Go Pirates! He enjoyed many hobbies; attending basketball games with friends and baseball tailgating socials, watching old classic black and white movies on the Ted Turner channel, solving crossword puzzles, playing scrabble and board games. You could always find him in his shop getting his tools and equipment organized so he would be ready to help friends and family with their often-requested wood working projects, and he was proud to have been part of Habitat for Humanity in his younger years. He found great joy in phone conversations and meeting with friends for lunch. Don was passionate about Blues and loved going to Pittsburg with friends to see Billy Price and his band. He readily shared his favorite albums on FB. He had many favorite comedian icons and eagerly shared videos of stand-up performances.

Don loved to share pictures and funny characterizations of "junior" with his Facebook friends. "Junior" engaged in dubious adventures that ended badly and found himself in trouble with "Mama." His adventures will surely continue in the upper realm.

As a serious scholar of the Bible, he attended weekly Bible studies. He was a dedicated member of Black Jack O.F.W.B Church and was supported by a loving church family. He felt honored to be a part of such a "giving" community that engaged in so many out-reach activities.

Most importantly, Ralph Donald Skinner was a good man that loved his family and spent many hours combing through old photos and memorabilia. He will continue to light up the hearts of all who were fortunate to know him. As a friend, he had a heart of gold and was always accessible to anyone who needed his help or attention.

Don was preceded in death by his parents, Ralph and Hellen Skinner and his sisters, Elaine and Judy Skinner.

He is survived by his wife of 20 years, Carol Kelly Skinner (Smiley); step-daughters, Kellie Owens of Currituck, and Elizabeth DeBragga of Black Mountain; and step-son, Brian DeBragga of Atlanta, GA.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Friends of the Pitt County Animal Shelter, PO Box 687, Ayden, NC 28513 or at www.pittfriends.com/donate.