LELAND — Arthur Clark Skipper, born February 12, 1936 passed away peacefully in the early morning of August 17, 2024.
Art is preceded in death by his parents, Francis and Lela Skipper; along with all of his siblings and their spouses, Marie (Lee) Wescott, Dewey (Jenny) Skipper, Henry Ford (Pauline) Skipper, Juanita (Cliff) Wescott, Alberta (Joe) Pavlovich, Morris Ray- Happy (Caroline) Skipper, and Nelson Odell (surviving spouse Joyce) Skipper.
He leaves behind loving wife of 65 years, Sally Anderson Skipper; son, Greg Skipper; daughter, Kim and her husband David Anderson; and his grandchildren, Clark and Elizabeth Anderson, and Gregory Skipper, Jr. His special niece, Sue Sellers; and nephew, Aaron Lee Wescott; along with many others.
Art was well-known for his integrity and strong work values which began during his early childhood lighting the heater at Zion church prior to Sunday services. He drove the school bus at age 15 and also worked on the family farm daily, starting at the young age of five. Art often missed attending school to work jobs to help provide for the family.
He joined USCG reserves during high school and served United States Coast Guard 25 years. Art’s first duty station was at the Oak Island Coast Guard Station, later in his career, he returned to the Oak Island Coast Guard Station as the Officer in Charge. Retiring in 1978, as BMCM E-9 receiving USCG commendation medal Officer in Charge insignia, Coxswain insignia, USCG Cutterman’s insignia, Fifth USCG good conduct award, National Defense medal. The evening of his retirement, he had the family on the way back home to Brunswick County. His retirement days did not last long and he found his next career in real estate founding Art Skipper Realty which he continued to run until his death.
Art was committed to serve! He was a founding member of Southport Rotary Club; as a member of Oak Island Library boosters, he was instrumental in securing the donation of the property from Gib Barbee and BB&T to catapult the current library into existence. Chamber of Commerce board of directors; member of Pythagoras Lodge 249 for 66 years, Scottish Rite, and Sudan Shrine; served on various board of Realtors committees; active with the Town of Yaupon Beach that carried forward as Town of Oak Island serving on board of adjustments and planning board; worked with Brunswick County to develop their first UDO and zoning regulations. He loved coaching baseball, his long coaching time began when he formed a team on his own for the boys who were not selected to play for the existing teams and otherwise would have been left out. His love of sports continued when he joined the South Brunswick cougar club where he remained active for many years. He continued to sponsor teams and clubs throughout his life.
Although he never had the privilege to attend college, he was honored to be appointed a Brunswick Community College Trustee for over 18 years and further honored the Title of Trustee Emeritus in 2019.
Art loved spending time with his family, friends, and will forever be known for his local knowledge and always having a story to share. The family takes comfort in knowing he is now walking the finest real estate in heaven.
The funeral service will be held at 4 p.m. on Thursday, August 22, 2024 at Zion United Methodist Church in Leland. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.
Pallbearers will be Clark Anderson, Wayne Rabon, Randy Hatcher, Russ Kennedy, Ray Skipper, and Scott Earp.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Zion United Methodist Church Art & Sally Skipper Endowment or Shriners crippled children’s hospital.
Special thanks to Dr. Tighe and staff at Novant for their care.
Online condolences may be made here.
