Gerald Skinner
Gerald L. Skinner, 64, of Van Buren died unexpectedly on Saturday, Nov. 17, 2018, in Sheridan. He was born Sept. 12, 1954, to Jerry and Jo Skinner of Malvern. He was a longtime project manager for Fort Smith Glass Co. and Overhead Door. Gerald received his bachelor's degree from the University of Arkansas, where he was an All-Southwest Conference Offensive Lineman in the 1973-76 seasons. After his collegiate football career, he played three seasons in the NFL for the New England Patriots, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and Green Bay Packers. He later received his master's degree from the University of Central Arkansas, and spent several years in Conway as a teacher and coach.
Gerald is survived by his loving wife, Payne Skinner of Van Buren; his sons Sam New of Providence, R.I., and Adam Skinner of Minturn; his parents, Jerry and Jo Skinner of Malvern; his brothers, Michael Skinner, Larry Skinner, and Ronny Skinner; and two granddaughters.
A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. on Wednesday at Ocker Memorial Chapel in Van Buren. A "celebration of life" ceremony will follow immediately at Harry's Downtown, 509 Garrison Ave., Fort Smith.
Honorary pallbearers will be Steve Stoltz, Keith Hefner, Ken Griffin, Bo Busby, and all the other members of the Arkansas Razorbacks 1973-76 football teams. Memorial contributions can be made to American Heart Association.
Online tributes: www.ockerfuneralhome.com.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Times Record from Nov. 18 to Nov. 19, 2018.

Memories and Condolences
for Gerald Skinner

Sponsored by Ocker Funeral Home - Van Buren.

24 Entries

Pat Halk

December 7, 2018

Payne, I'm so sorry to hear about Gerald. What a loss for you, Adam, Sam, and the rest of the family. Please know that Desiree and I have heavy hearts for you. Accept our most sincere condolences. I am thinking of you, and praying for you. Much love.

December 5, 2018

My sincere condolences to the family. May your heart be filled with the precious memories of your dear loved one, today, tomorrow and always.

Ecclesiastes 7:1, John 3:16
A friend

November 27, 2018

Losing someone that we love never comes easy. It is a truly heartbreaking. May God's promises in Isaiah 65:17 comfort and help you.

November 22, 2018

Our sincere condolences to the family in the loss of your dear love one. Our prayers are as yours, that God provide his care and comfort you each day.
- Psalms 145:18,19
BB

Karen Rose Woods

November 21, 2018

Gerald was my friend and bus seat buddy in Silsbee when I was in the 7th grade and he was in 8th or 9th. We remained friends until his family's move to Malvern. I moved to Conway in 1996 and taught at Conway High. Found out Gerald had lived and coached there as well. Mutual friends- all of whom, like Gerald, among the good guys. RIP, Gerald, and sincere condolences to his family.

Brooks Browning

November 20, 2018

My family have the Skinner family in our thoughts at this difficult time. Coach Skinner was always very kind, and I have nothing but fond memories of him. All us boys in the neighborhood back in Conway looked up to him a great deal.

Jason Whitehead

November 20, 2018

Coach Gerald Skinner was so much more than a football coach to his players. He taught us how to be better people; kind, respectful, courteous, to always display sportsmanship and good will. He made me, an average football player, a better man through his coaching and friendship. I'm better for having known him. The world will miss Gerald. I know I sure will.

Jason Whitehead
Conway High School, 1991

a loved one

Sent Flowers

Carroll and Gena Bishop

November 20, 2018

So many good memories of time coaching, teaching , and raising our kids in Conway. We are so very sorry for your family's loss, Payne, Sam, and Adam. We will be praying for you all in the days to come.

Pat Jones

November 20, 2018

R.I.P. Gerald , we lost a very good man !!!
And a very good football player !!!

Randy Blythe

November 20, 2018

May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.

Jane Ann Copeland

November 19, 2018

I am so sorry for your loss to the whole Skinner family. Gerald was a really nice guy from a wonderful family. I know he will be greatly missed. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this very difficult time and beyond. God bless.

Dennis Winston

November 19, 2018

Your Spirit will always be with us !!

Dennis Winston

November 19, 2018

To the Skinner family , from the Winston family . The gentle giant as Gerald was known , will be truly missed . Please except our condolences to such a fine family . The class of 1973 has lost a wonderful man . Just know , that you will always be loved by us (gentle giant) Gerald .

November 19, 2018

Hello family and friends of Gerald Skinner;
Am very sorry to have heard of his passing away this weekend. He was to come and examine our 9 year old doors at 1st.Lutheran Church's ministry building today. I spoke with him Friday afternoon. He was more then willing to do what ever it would take to fix our problem. Again, am very sorry for your loss. I hope that you can find peace from God, along with His wisdom thru this time. J.D. Davis

Randy Fuller

November 19, 2018

RIP, Gerald. You were one of the good guys.

November 19, 2018

Michael, Jo and Jerry, Adam and all family members. We are so sorry and heartbroken to hear about Gerald. Gone too soon but I know you will always hold him and your memories in your hearts!
Charla and Jim Hunter Birch

November 19, 2018

Most heartfelt sympathies to Geralds family. My name is Mike Shoesmith and I worked with the "big guy" at Crompton Mills in Morrilton .I cant remember when he left and last contact was when he was in Conway. Truly a great guy and loved talking football with him. He was a Card Room supervisor at the cotton mill and definitely a gentle giant. RIP Gerald.

Jenny Nokes

November 19, 2018

Adam-Tori and I are so sorry for your loss, y'all are in our thoughts and prayer.
Love
Jenny and Tori Nokes

November 19, 2018

May you find comfort and peace from God and may his word soothe your hearts. Is.25:8

Rosemary & Tony Hughes

November 18, 2018

Payne and Sam, Tony and I were shocked to read of Gerald's passing. He was a great guy and we enjoyed knowing him when you lived in Pine Bluff. i would love to be there for his service but I am having surgery Tuesday and will be unable to drive for quite some time. Prayers for all of you.

Nancy Williams

November 18, 2018

Payne and family, my heart breaks for all of you. Gerald was such an exceptional man - a gentle giant. Please know I will pray for peace and comfort during this sad and awful time. Much love, Nancy Williams

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