Charles Leonard Skinner, known as Skeeter, was born on March 28, 1930, in the Woodsprings-Bethel
Community. He passed away peacefully into eternal life on October 25, 2024.
Skeeter was the third child of Cleveland Robert Skinner and Minnie Lee Bolton. He graduated from Grand Cane
School on May 30, 1950, where he was a member of the basketball team.
In December 1950, Skeeter joined the U.S. Navy, serving for three years and ten months as a radar man on the
USS Manchester. He often humorously recounted his adventures, claiming, “I jumped off that ship and came up
speaking Chinese.”
In 1965, he purchased land in the Woodsprings-Bethel area, creating his cherished bachelor pad. Skeeter
enjoyed a long career with the railroad, often saying, “They are keeping my check good” whenever he heard a
train.
Skeeter spent winters in Big Bend and summers on his homestead, where he tended a garden that provided for
his neighbors and even the local raccoons. His pond was home to an alligator he named Pat.
Skeeter had a dream of living in Alaska, and he fulfilled this by taking a memorable road trip there in his VW van,
joking about wearing out the tires along the way. He was passionate about woodworking, particularly crafting
elaborate houses for martins, eagerly awaiting their arrival every Valentines Day.
In his later years, Skeeter cherished time spent at home near his sister, “Rach”, and brother-in-law “Jody”, along
with niece “Pookie”, her husband “MacDoogle”, and great-nephew Josh and "Lil Amy.
The family extends heartfelt gratitude to the staff at Panola County Nursing and Rehabilitation for the
compassionate care they provided in Skeeters final days.
Skeeter was preceded in death by his sisters Clister Pauline Turner, Mary Margaret Alexandria, and Rachel
Symanthia Wilson, as well as brothers Robert Nolan “Dootsy” Skinner and Walter Benard “Buddy” Creech. He is
survived by his sister Cathrine Loraine Childress and numerous nieces and nephews.
Skeeters stories will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
“All healing is divine healing by God. Try to distinguish whether we should pray for healing of death to relieve a
worn-out body.” My Precious Sister, Pauline Turner
A graveside service will be held at Bethel Cemetery on Sunday, October 27 th at 10:00 am.
Online condolences & tributes can be sent at www.watsonandsonsfuneralhome.com