Reverend W. Wirt Skinner

Rev. W. Wirt Skinner, beloved father, brother, uncle, grandfather, and pastor, went to be with the Lord on the evening of September 18, 2025. He was surrounded by his children and joined his wife of 60 years, Torpy Skinner.

Wirt was born in DeKalb County, Georgia, and grew up in Decatur, GA, the son of James Lister Skinner Jr. and Josephine Norvell Fry Skinner.

He attended Presbyterian College (Clinton, SC), Union Theological Seminary (Richmond, VA), and Baylor University (Waco, TX). He graduated magna cum laude and was ordained as a minister in July 1966. He also served in the Army Reserve as a 1st Lt. in Artillery and applied to be a chaplain, but the Lord had other plans. He was honorably discharged in December 1968.

Wirt began his pastoral journey in Port Glasgow, Scotland, at the Hamilton-Bardrainney Kirk Church. After serving one year there, he continued his ministry at:
- First Presbyterian Church, Cameron, TX
- Journal of Church and State, Waco, TX
- Saint Giles Presbyterian Church, Ft. Worth, TX
- Grand Avenue Presbyterian Church, Sherman, TX
- Grace Presbyterian Church, Little Rock, AR
- Bethany Presbyterian Church, Muskogee, OK (retired in 2004)

After retirement, Wirt and Torpy served for a year with Heifer Project International in Perryville, AR, before settling at their beloved family farm in Canton, NC, in 2005.

Retirement was anything but quiet. Wirt was an active member of the Haywood County Detention Center Ministry Team, frequently filled in for local pastors in need of a break, and ministered through the 3rd Generation Barn Loft. His beloved walkthrough Living Nativity during the Christmas season became a cherished community tradition for years.

Wirt was an official member of the Barbershop Harmony Society for 52 years. He loved to sing and would often burst into song to brighten the day. He enjoyed playing softball, could make a mean plate of bacon and pancakes, and sang his children to sleep each night with prayers. His favorite reply when someone wished him a good day was, "Thank you for being a part of it." He joyfully served in soup kitchens, gave freely of himself-even the shirt off his back-and ministered to all who knew him, and even some who didn't. The hearts he touched knew that his love for God, family, and fellow man were the guiding principles of his life.

2 Timothy 4:7
"I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith."

Remaining to cherish Wirt's memory are his daughter and son-in-law, Arran and Rick; son and daughter-in-law, Andrew and Kelita; grandchildren, Halo, Harmony, Hope, Dillon, and Dayton; brothers Tom Skinner (Linda) and Arthur Skinner (Katrina); brother-in-law, Chuck Torpy (Carole), and nine nieces and nephews.

A celebration of life for Rev. W. Wirt Skinner and his wife Torpy Skinner will be held at Plains Methodist Church Cemetery, 2029 Newfound Rd., Canton, NC 28716. On October 4, 2025, a graveside memorial service will be held at 3:00 p.m., followed by food and fellowship in the Church Community Room.

Donations in Wirt's memory may be made to:
- Long's Chapel's Second Season Community Pantry
133 Old Clyde Rd.
Waynesville, NC 28785

- Plains Methodist Church
2029 Newfound Rd.
Canton, NC 28716