Leo Dell Skinner, 83, of Benton, Arkansas passed away Friday, June 16, 2023. Leo was born in Keo, Arkansas to the late August Skinner & Viola (Holt) Skinner. He was a member of Geyer Springs First Baptist Church.
Leo was affectionately known to many as Leo from Keo. He was a devout family man whose primary goal was to assure his family was clothed, fed, loved & cared for. Although he only had an 8th grade education, he worked many long, hard hours through several blue-collar jobs including sales in the insurance industry, serving as a grocery store clerk, and serving as a delivery driver. His family will attest that he never failed to reach his goal and in fact surpassed it.
From an early age, Leo had a deep love for playing his guitar, writing & singing songs and listening to rockabilly, country, and gospel music. Through the years, he loved to share his music with his family and friends as often as he could. Leo also had a big heart for everyone he met. He loved to build friendships while drinking coffee at the local coffee shop, going to the gym, and even just walking around his local Wal-Mart. He also enjoyed hunting and fishing but found pure joy in just feeding the birds in his own yard and daily watching them in his various bird feeders.
Many knew Leo from his signature cigar stub hanging from his mouth or his jaw stuffed full of chewing tobacco, but his family often teased him about his infatuation for Little Debbies. At Easter, you could often find Leo loading plastic easter eggs with coins for his grandchildren to hunt or in the yard searching for the last unaccounted-for egg. Christmas brought him much joy, but his greatest joy was found in watching his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren opening their gifts and stockings.
Leo built a rich legacy for his family around God, love, and laughter. His life exemplified the importance of knowing God as your personal Savior and walking a daily walk with Him, as well as loving and giving to others. Leo had a huge heart and showed kindness in even the smallest ways to others. Every child and grandchild of his witnessed his remarkable ability to share with others, regardless of how little he possessed.
Leo was preceded in death by his parents: August & Viola Skinner, his sister: Lorene Poole, his brother: A.J. Skinner and his great-grandson: Taylor Wilson.
Leo is survived by his loving wife of 62 years, Nancy Skinner of Benton, AR; three children: Cindy Wilson (Don) of Springfield, MO, Ricky Skinner of Little Rock, AR and Jamie (Heather) Skinner of Bryant, AR; grandchildren: Hal Wilson (Amanda), Misti Yocum (Craig), Andrew Wilson (Lois), Wendall Wilbanks, Corey Skinner (Megan), Jacob Skinner (Sarah), Logan Skinner, Angela Lee (Jon), Calli Skinner, Caroline Skinner and Cate Skinner; 16 great-grandchildren and 2 great-great grandchildren; brothers: Roy Skinner(Karen) of North Little Rock, AR and Robert Skinner (Janice) of Mayflower, AR; sisters: Shirley Keilty of Cabot, AR and Agnes Knuckles (Bill) of Cabot, AR and many nieces, nephews and friends.
Visitation will be held Thursday, June 22, from 6:00-8:00 PM, at Smith-Benton Funeral Home, 322 N. Market Street, Benton, Arkansas. Funeral service, officiated by Rev. Dave Hughey and Dewaine Summerhill, will be held Friday, June 23, at 10:00 AM, at Smith-Benton Funeral Home. Burial to follow at 12:30 PM at Keo Cemetery in Keo, Arkansas with her grandsons: Jacob Skinner, Corey Skinner, Logan Skinner, Wendall Wilbanks, Andrew Wilson, Hal Wilson, and Craig Yocum assisting as pallbearers.
Services entrusted to Smith-Benton Funeral Home. Online guestbook: www.SmithFamilyCares.com.
In memory of Leo Skinner, please consider making a donation to one of the following charities:
Geyer Springs First Baptist Church Building Fund
Thursday, June 22, 2023
6:00 - 8:00 pm (Central time)
Smith Family Funeral Home Benton
Friday, June 23, 2023
Starts at 10:00 am (Central time)
Smith Family Funeral Home Benton
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