Thelbert Skipper, Jr.

McColl

Mr. Thelbert Skipper, Jr. age 85, passed away peacefully on Thursday, January 14, 2016 at the Morrison Manor in Laurinburg, NC after an illness, surrounded by his loving family.

Born in Robeson County, NC, on November 9, 1930, he was the son of the late John Thelbert Skipper and Lillie Mae Grant  Skipper. He was a member of the McColl Church of God and the Men's Sunday School Class. He retired from textile as a print operator and formerly owned several movie theaters in Marlboro County and surrounding areas.  On  May 24, 1951, Mr. Thelbert entered  the United States Army  where he proudly served his country until he was honorably discharged on August 1, 1956. He was also an honorary fireman with the McColl Fire Department and served as a former town councilman for the town of McColl in late 1990's. He enjoyed beach fishing, and gathering oysters. He also enjoyed  driving  as a flagman  for Crestline Mobile Homes in Laurinburg.

Mr. Skipper is survived by his loving wife of 65 years,  Esther Mae Turner Skipper of their home in McColl; by 3 sons, Alfred Skipper (Lula Jane) of McColl, Richard Earl Skipper (Patricia M. Jackson) of Bennettsville and Robert Skipper (Mary Nancy) of McColl; by a daughter, Brenda Skipper Cornett of Fayetteville, NC; by a sister, Lela Mae "Midge" Milligan of Laurinburg; by 2 brothers, Howard Skipper (Hazel) of Bennettsville and Toby Skipper of Laurinburg; by 8 grandchildren; 5 great-grandchildren; and 2 great-grands on the way; also by extended sons, Donald Ray Milligan (Michelle) of Alto, Georgia, Willie James Milligan (Denise) of McColl and Clarence Thomas Milligan (Karen) of Laurinburg; by extended daughters, Deborah Adkins (Jimmy) of Laurinburg, Betty Weekley (John) of Gravestone, Georgia,  Kathy Ledwell (Bob) of Laurinburg and Gail Chavis (Gary) of Laurinburg; a daughter-in-law, Sharon Skipper of McColl; also by a host of other relatives and friends.

Funeral services will be held 3:00 P.M. on Monday, January 18, 2016 at the McColl Church of God with burial following in Rogers Cemetery. The Rev. Dr. Roy Puckett and Larry Geddie will officiate. The family will receive friends from 7-9 P.M. on Sunday, January 17, 2016 at Rogers Funeral Home.

He was preceded in death by his parents listed above; and by a son, Billy Gene Skipper who died Nov. 21, 2015; by a sister, Edith Swartz who died in 2010; and by a son-in-law, John Cornett who died in 2011.

Memorial donations in Mr. Thelbert's memory are suggested to the McColl Church of God, 321 E. McLaurin Avenue, McColl, SC  29570 or to Scotland Regional Hospice, PO Box 1033, Laurinburg, NC  28353.

Please sign the online guestboook@www.rogersofmccoll.com

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