Arnold Ira Skinner's Obituary
Arnold Ira Skinner
Arnold Ira Skinner, 79, passed away Saturday, May 2, 2015, at his home at Lake Cherokee. He leaves behind his wife of 45 years, Laura Ferrell Skinner; only child, Stephen Kyle Skinner & wife Alison; 3 grandsons, Bailey Kyle Skinner, Harrison Stephen Skinner & Graham William Skinner; brothers, Jerry Skinner & Michael Skinner; & numerous nieces & nephews. He was preceded in death by parents, Lloyd Skinner & Arleta Whatley Skinner; brothers Billy Skinner & Charles Skinner.
Arnold was born March 4, 1936 in Longview, Texas, the son of Lloyd & Arleta Whatley Skinner. Arnold was a longtime resident of Longview, Texas & attended Forest Home Baptist Church in Kilgore, Texas.
Arnold’s parents were in the poultry packing business & started opening service stations & grocery stores in the 1940’s & 1950’s. Lloyd & Arleta sold their store on Judson Road in 1960 to Mr. Whitenack. In 1972, Arnold & his brother, Jerry, bought their father’s store back from Mr. Whitenack. The two Skinner brothers owned & operated Skinner’s Grocery for 29 years until they sold it in 2001.
Although their store on Judson Road is no longer affiliated with the Skinner family, Arnold was proud to see his son carry on the family tradition of building relationships first & selling groceries second when Stephen opened his store in Lakeport in 2003.
Arnold’s desire was to retire at Lake Cherokee. In 2012, he was proud to fulfil the dream of living the lake life while spending time with family & friends & watching his 3 grandsons grow. Arnold is known for being a kind & generous man who always had a smile on his face and a story to tell. He loved his family, his friends, his customers & his community.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, May, 5, 2015 in the Chapel of Rader Funeral Home with the Reverend Buddy Duggins officiating. Burial will follow in Rosewood Park. Visitation will be from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. prior to the service.
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