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David Skelton Obituary
A fisherman and lover of nature, former surfer, wind sailor, sailor, gardener, woodworker, and public servant passed away on June 25, 2015 at the UF Health Shands Hospital in Gainesville, Florida. "Dave" was born in Leon County, attended Leon High School, graduated from Florida State University with degrees in Mass Communications, and completed the FSU Certified Public Manager Program. He retired from the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services where he served in various roles including Regulatory Program Administrator. His early public service also included work with the developmentally disabled and Special Olympics Florida, Public Information and Resource Center of the Florida Health and Rehabilitative Services Department, and as Associate Professor at the University of West Florida.
With friends and associates, Dave was responsible for restoring and rejuvenating the Downtown Havana, Florida business area where he owned and operated his antiques and refinishing business Havana Daydreamin' Inc. and The Gazebo Café. He was a member of Phi Gamma Delta Fraternity, past member and 2006 Show Chairman of the Camellia and Garden Club of Tallahassee, former member and judge for the American Camellia Society, and was responsible for establishing the Tallahassee/Big Bend Area Lung Transplant Support Group.
Dave received "the gift of life" as a lung transplant recipient and celebrated the anniversary of his forth year after transplant on June 1, 2015. He truly loved life and believed that every day was a miracle.
He is preceded in death by Virginia Soderman Skelton, his mother. He is survived by his wife for 32 years, Sandra; father, Paul A. Skelton; brother, Bruce Skelton; sister, Cynthia Skelton Burgess and her husband Val Burgess; sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, grand-nieces, and grand-nephews, and his lung transplant family who all miss him.
Visitation will be at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, July 11, 2015, at Culley's MeadowWood Funeral Home at 1737 Riggins Road, with a celebration of his life beginning at 11:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to UF Shands Adult Lung Transplant Program Patient Fund or St. Francis Wildlife Association in Havana, Florida.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for David Skelton
Robyn Stevenson
July 16, 2015
Our deepest sympathy. May his memory be a blessing to all who knew him.
Susan Cline (Hughes)
July 14, 2015
Dave was a true angel. The warm light in his heart definitely had an impact on me, and so many others. My deepest condolences goes out to you, Sandra, as well as the rest of Dave's family.
Ben Green
July 12, 2015
I'm very sorry to hear of Dave's passing. I had the pleasure of knowing him in three very different situations, over 40 years. First, we worked together on a summer job with the FDOT right out of high school. Then, I bought light fixtures from him in 1992 from his Havana shop. Finally, I got to have him go through the CPM program at FSU. He was a wonderful guy and will be greatly missed.
Jim Bryan
July 11, 2015
David was a extremely caring person who has been a great source of comfort to me during recent years. He'll be greatly missed.
July 11, 2015
So sorry to hear of Dave's passing. He alway had a laugh, a smile, and a good story to share. He touched many lives--he will be missed.
Todd McCullough
July 10, 2015
I was shocked and sadden to hear about Dave's passing. My love and prayers go out to Sandra and family. Dave is an amazing person, friend and mentor and he will always be alive in my heart.
I met Dave many years back when I worked at the Division of Consumer Services. He was my boss for a short amount of time and then he became my great friend and mentor. Dave taught me that you lead people through your heart by touching other people's heart. Love and caring is the only way to reach people and make a difference in their lives This is the leadership style I have continued to use throughout my career.
Dave is a great listener and always knows what to say to make the problems go away. Dave's heart is full of life and love. He will give his shirt off his back to help someone. He helped me through some difficult times. Dave became such an important part of my life that he stood with me when I got married to my wife Katherine. I left consumer services for another job opportunity and got so busy with work that time slipped away. I would think of Dave often and tell myself I am going to give Dave a call today so we can catch up and before I knew it time slipped away from me again. I sit here so angry at myself that I procrastinated so much that my opportunity to catch up with Dave in person has slipped away. However, I know with all my heart and soul that Dave will continue to watch over all of us with his heart of gold and amazing spirit and I can speak to him anytime and he will be able to hear me. Dave's will to live is so strong that he will always be with us because once he touches your heart he becomes part of your heart and soul. Love you Dave! See you soon in the life after this one.
Todd McCullough
Steve Edwards and family
July 10, 2015
Please accept our sincere condolences.
Cheryl Fralick
July 10, 2015
I am so saddened to hear this. I have so many fond memories of working with Dave at FDACS and I feel so blessed to have known him. I remember how much he loved his camellias and thanks to Dave, I have a Pink Perfection camellia in my yard that he grafted for me many years ago. I also fondly remember how much he liked Stevie Ray Vaughan and, when he loaned me his cassettes, I also became a fan. He will be missed in so many ways. My thoughts and prayers go out to Sandra and family.
Sophie Thomas-Campfield
July 10, 2015
Heartfelt condolences to Dave's family. He will forever be a "Bright and Shining Star" remembered for his love and kindness. May Blessed memories be your strength.
July 9, 2015
Although my wife and I only knew Dave for the last couple of years through the Lung Transplant Support Group, he is someone I will always remember and be thankful for. I quickly came to respect and admire him and will continue to do so. He was a leader, an advisor, and a role model. He will remain an inspiration to everyone lucky enough to know him.
Our hearts and our love go out to Sandra.
Al Thorburn, Tallahassee
Susan mcGroarty
July 9, 2015
My prayers are with you and your family. Knowing Dave meant a lot to me. He had such a positive outlook on life. He will be missed.
Donald Draughon
July 9, 2015
Vicki and I are so saddened to hear this news.
Dan Vermillion
July 9, 2015
Dave was full of life and a smile that told you he enjoyed life no matter what.I glad that i got to know him.You will be missed .
Colleen Thorburn
July 9, 2015
I only knew you for two years, Dave. But I will miss you. I will miss your humor, your intelligence, and your inclusiveness. The world has lost a very kind person. We gather together to celebrate your life and who your were.
Lennon Moore
July 9, 2015
Sandra, i am so sorry to hear of Dave's passing. Though i haven't seen the two of you in years, i have fond memories of our days at Shell Point and Havana. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Robert Byerts
July 8, 2015
Dave was a great friend to my brother John and I, and taught us about racing go carts in Indian Head Acres, tinkering with cars, and tolerance of younger brothers. I treasure many memories of good times and kindness.
July 8, 2015
Sandra, Jim and I were so taken aback by this very sad news. I know we did not see you both much....but I remember the evening we shared a meal.I think there is a special bond that does not go away between lung tx patients. I was so grateful to Dave for his advice and humor when I had to have skin cancer removed from my ear. He eased those concerns. JIm and I plan to be there for his Celebration of Life.......it is hard here for many, but it is a true celebration. Thoughts and prayers and gentle hugs......JIm and Kathy Patrick
Paula Hillier Davis
July 8, 2015
Sandra and Family,
My deepest sympathies . Dave was a great guy, boss, friend. I will remember him bringing us Camilla's. My heart goes out to you Sandra.
Sasha Velez
July 8, 2015
I am so saddened to hear of Dave's passing. I worked with him years ago at FDACS and he was always very nice to me. My condolences to all his family and prayers through this difficult time.
PATTY STUART
July 8, 2015
I am very sorry to hear about Dave's death. It was great to run into you both at Trader's just a few months ago. You were spending time at SGI then and anxious to get back to the beach with your cache of groceries! John and I always enjoyed visiting with you both at HD when we would shop for antiques. What a long and rich life you have had together. RIP Dave. Our sympathies to you Sandy and family.
Patty Stuart
July 8, 2015
So sorry to hear of Dave's passing. I met David many years ago through my husband, Art. Dave was refinishing furniture at that time, and would often come in our store. Dave was such a nice guy, and was always smiling. Sandra, I am so sorry for your loss, please know you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Allen Collins Heitz
Donna Templeton
July 8, 2015
I am just shocked and my heart is broken. I am so sorry for your loss.
Ric Strong
July 8, 2015
I worked with Dave for many years at the Division of Consumer Services and he was a great man and well respected. My condolences to Sandra and the entire family.
Ms. Ben Clark-Brown
July 8, 2015
To the Family of Dave Skelton:
Please allow me to express my sincere sympathy in the loss of your loved one. Dave was a very friendly co-worker.
Sincerely,
Lynnette Ray
July 8, 2015
So sorry to hear of Dave's death. Sandra, my heart goes out to you and the rest of Dave's family. I am honored to have worked for him at Agriculture.
Nina McLeod
July 8, 2015
Oh my goodness, A dear friend and a great co-worker. It's very hard to walk this Sandra. I pray God gives you strength.
Scott Yancey
July 8, 2015
Very sorry to hear about David. I've known him since childhood and he was always a great guy.
Terry "Mad Dog" and Linda McCue
July 8, 2015
So sorry to hear about Dave's passing. Dave and friends rescued me and a buddy many years ago when we got stranded in the fog sailing off Dog Island. We later became roommates and sailing buddies at Shell Point and remained friends ever since. Sandra, our thoughts and prayers are with you.
W Scott
July 8, 2015
His fraternity brothers from Phi Sigma Chapter of Phi Gamma Delta (Florida State University) are very saddened to hear of his passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with Dave and his family. Ad Astra
Bill Bassett
July 8, 2015
Dave had a great heart and could lift your spirit just with a story or words from his own experiences. He was a servant to many around the state. As a supervisor he was always was willing to not only lead but lend a hand to assist others. My prayers go out to his family, friends, and loved ones during this difficult time. I will always remember Dave with a smile.
Suzanne Behnke
July 8, 2015
I am so saddened to hear of the passing of such an awesome person. I am so glad I had the opportunity to have him for a boss, I have such great memories of him he took my daughter fishing with him and got her her own little tackle box....he will be greatly missed. My thoughts and prayers go out to Sandra and the family.
Patt Kight
July 8, 2015
I'm so sorry to hear about Dave's passing. I have so many wonderful memories of him from Agriculture. A beautiful soul who will be greatly missed.
Joy Hartsfield
July 8, 2015
I am so saddened to hear this news. Dave was such a special guy and I enjoyed working with him for so many years at Consumer Services. Sandra and family, my heart goes out to all of you.
Jenna Harper
July 8, 2015
Dave was a great boss to work for, and an awesome guy. I'm so sorry to hear this news - my prayers are with Sandra and the family during this time.
Elizabeth Khan
July 8, 2015
Dave was such a wonderful person with a heart of gold. So sad to hear that he's left us. My heart goes out to Sandra - may you find nothing but love and peace during your time of loss.
Liz Compton
July 8, 2015
Very sorry to learn of Dave's passing. He was always so upbeat and friendly. He will be missed very much. My prayers are with his family during this difficult time.
Aleta King
July 8, 2015
Take comfort in knowing that now you have a special guardian angel to watch over you.
Betsy Edwards
July 8, 2015
It has been years since I have seen Dave and this really breaks my heart. What a wonderful man ! RIP Dave! You have left you foot prints in many hearts !!
JR Kelly
July 8, 2015
I'm so sorry to hear of Dave's passing. He will truly be missed. My thoughts and prayers go out to Sandra and the family.
Lisa Liseno
July 7, 2015
Words cannot express how saddened I am by the loss of our wonderful friend Dave. Dave, you were a tremendously loving presence and huge support to all of us! You are, and will continue to be loved by everyone who was lucky enough to meet you. Your smiling face and eyes will remain in my memory. Sandra, my thoughts and prayers are always with you. Much love to you and your family at this difficult time.
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