Ray Skelton

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Mr. Ray Skelton, 68, passed away on Thursday, February 25, 2021, at his home in Oxford, MS. The funeral service will be Monday, March 1, 2021, at 12:00 noon at New Prospect Baptist Church with Rev. Buster Wilson and Rev. Fletcher Moorman officiating. Burial will follow in Kingdom Cemetery. Visitation will be held prior to the service beginning at 10:00 A.M. at the church.

Mr. Skelton was born on January 25, 1953, in Marks, MS to the late Ralph Howard and Jocie McLean Skelton. He was married to his long-time love, Mrs. Verna “Tiny” Skelton for 38 years before her death in 2020 and the family finds great comfort imagining their sweet reunion in Heaven. Mr. Skelton was the longtime manager of Dee’s Tires, was the former owner and operator of two Gulf service stations in Clarksdale, MS and was the plant manager for Gulf Oil in Clarksdale. He had a close circle of friends and was an honorary board member of The Beacon’s “Old Man Club” where countless cups of coffee and meals were shared mixed in with deep belly laughs and camaraderie.  Ray was a faithful member of New Prospect Baptist Church and held a deep relationship with his Lord. He not only studied the Word, but walked a life led by faith that was evident by his giving and generous spirit. He was trusted confidant and mentor to anyone who need help, guidance or simply a listening ear. His friendships reached all over Lafayette County and, while not a member, he was often invited to join activities with his friends at the O.D. Masonic Lodge.  His southern roots meant that he had an automatic love for country music and was a walking encyclopedia of country music history, songwriters, albums and lyrics. He was especially fond his old favorites, Hank Williams and Jimmy Rogers. His family has been shaped by his leadership and his model of a loving husband, father and grandfather. They hope that the next time you are crappie fishing, you’ll remember Mr. Skelton and the importance of and slowing down to enjoy the simple moments.

In addition to his parents and wife, he was preceded in death by two grandchildren, William Keith Reeves and Blake Hunter Reeves; a son-in law, Bill Reeves; a sister, Sue Pearson Chapman and a brother, Tommy Skelton.

He is survived by two daughters, JoLynn Skelton and Lisa Reeves both of Oxford; a son, Chase Crawford and his wife, Manda of Oxford; two sisters, Joyce Black of Nashville, TN and Margaret Holmberg of Oxford, MS; seven grandchildren, Chelsea Reeves Brown, Emily Braden Griffin, Erin Lynn Lofton and her husband, Brandon, Stephen Neal Hodge, Sarah Beth Hodge, Caitlyn Leah Crawford and Isabella Raye Crawford and eleven great-grandchildren. In addition to his family, he is survived by his longtime best friend and fishing buddy, Donald Bowders. 

Memorial contributions in Mr. Skelton’s memory may be made to Kingdom Cemetery Fund, 41 CR 443, Oxford, MS 38655.