WILMINGTON — Walter Irvin Skinner was born on October 25, 1946, in Council Bluffs, Iowa, to Nina Nadine Skinner and Lester Allen Skinner. Walter graduated from Lee Summit High School in 1964 before attending the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy and graduating in 1969. After his time in the Merchant Marines, Walter was accepted to NYU School of Law in 1971 and graduated in 1974. Over his career, he worked at Healy & Baillie and Todd Shipyards in New York City, ITT Systems in Colorado Springs, and Williams Mullen in Wilmington.
Walter was a good student and graduated towards the top of his class in high school in addition to being an Eagle Scout. He traveled extensively during his time in the military and as an attorney. He enjoyed sports and athletics from middle school into his adulthood. He earned a black belt in karate along with his daughters. He climbed Pikes Peak, kayaked, cycled, and ran. Walter was part of the Cape Fear Men’s Club and enjoyed spending time with his friends in Wilmington.
With his intelligent wit and his charming personality, Walter constantly drew people to him. He was known for his kindness and his comforting nature, and he made everyone around him laugh.
Walter is survived by his loving wife, Angela, his two daughters, Christine and Jackie, his sisters, Beverly and Winona, and his brother Charlie. Walter is predeceased by his mother, father, and brother, LeRoy. Walter was a doting husband and an incredible father. He valued his family and friends above all else, and he committed his life to providing for and caring for those he loved. He lived a full and happy life.
On April 16th, 2022, Walter gracefully chose to spend his remaining hours surrounded by his wife, his daughters, and his sister. Walter was a beautiful light in this world, and he will be missed.
A funeral service in Walter’s honor will be held at the Frank H. Kenan Chapel at Landfall in Wilmington, North Carolina on Saturday, April 23rd at 3pm. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation at www.pulmonaryfibrosis.org.
Please sign the online Guestbook at www.andrewsmortuary.com
