William Russell Skinner, 84, of Columbia, Kentucky (the Fairplay community), died Monday, December 5, 2022 at Summit Manor Nursing Home.

He was born September 5, 1938, in St. Louis, Missouri, to the late Russell Skinner and Margaret Dee Skinner.  He was predeceased by a brother, Donald (Pam) Skinner and a granddaughter, Katie Griffin.

He is survived by his wife of 64 years – Roberta Skinner of Columbia

His brother – Michael Skinner of Palatine, Illinois

Four children – Linda Liverett (Mark) of Waynesville, North Carolina, Bryan Skinner (Luann) of Somerset, Kentucky, Lori Budington (Randy) of Sanbornton, New Hampshire, Lisa Pavlick (Ron) of Port Charlotte, Florida.

Six Grandchildren – Shannon Skinner, Heather Louchen (Kevin), Audrey Budington, William, Charles and Abby Buchmiller

He attended William Rainey Harper College, University of Wisconsin (Eau Claire) and Texas A and M. 

Bill retired from Northern Illinois Gas Company after 35 years of service where he was the Senior Safety Consultant and Director of the Fire Training School.

In 1993, he and Roberta retired to Hayward, Wisconsin, the musky capital of the world, where he enjoyed fishing and guiding on Northern Wisconsin lakes.  He also enjoyed gardening, hunting and snowmobiling,

After moving to Columbia in 2002, he was active in the CREP program and loved caring for the land and feeding the wildlife.  Bill loved all animals, especially his indoor cats.  Playing rook was something he always enjoyed with his friends. 

Bill was a member of Columbia Christian Church and enjoyed singing and being in a quartet.

Funeral service – Friday, December 9, 2022 at 1:00 P.M. at Grissom-Martin Funeral Home with Bro. John Davis officiating

Burial in McClister Cemetery

Visitation after 4:00 P.M. Thursday

Casket Bearers:  Dennis Loy, Chris Bragg, John Ballou, Mike McKinney, Stephen Keen, Joey White

Grissom-Martin Funeral Home in charge of arrangements