October 1, 1941 - December 4, 2023
Leonard Eugene Skipworth, son of Robert H. Skipworth and Margaret Lovelace Bailey was born on October 1, 1941, in Florence, Alabama.
On Monday, December 4th, 2023, he peacefully transitioned to his heavenly home surrounded by his loving family.
Leonard attended Burrell Slater High School, Class of 1960, where he was a member of the football team. Following his high school graduation, he continued his education at Alabama A&M College, where he met the love of his life, Janice. After college, Leonard dedicated numerous years to Ford Motor Company until the closure of the plant. He later worked at Delphi as a Quality Control Operator in Athens, AL. He retired from Delphi several years later.
Leonard accepted Christ at an early age and was a lifelong member of Bethel Cumberland Presbyterian Church. He loved working in the church and cherished praising the Lord. He was a devoted elder, a proud member of the male chorus, and an active member of the Florence Presbytery. He served on several committees, and always enjoyed helping others.
Leonard devoted over 50 years to spreading the joy of gospel music throughout the Shoals area. Serving as the voice of WZZA, known as the "Soul of the Shoals," Leonard touched countless lives by sharing a diverse array of gospel favorites. He would end each show with an encouraging "Thought for the Day". Beyond his impactful career in music, Leonard was a pillar of the community. He took on various roles, such as chairman of UAW Ford Retirees, Local 255, and played an active part in the local Democratic party. Leonard's commitment extended to serving on the Democratic Election Committee. He sincerely enjoyed working the polls on election day. He was also an esteemed member of the Top Hatter's Club. His multifaceted involvement showcased his dedication to the betterment of the community.
Well known in the Quad-cities area, Leonard aka, Skip, Skip Jack, or Lou, always spread laughter and joy to his community. In his spare time, he enjoyed spending time with family and watching football, "The Price is Right" and "The Young & The Restless". Always wearing a smile on his face, he would walk around and say, "Merry Christmas!" to all those he encountered. Not just on Christmas day, but rather all throughout the year. His light was a blessing to all. To know him was to love him.
Leonard was proceeded in death by his father, Robert H. Skipworth; mother, Margaret Bailey; stepfather, Horace Bailey; his three brothers, L.C., Robert, and Glen Skipworth; two sisters, Dorothy Gilbert, and Francis Johnson.
He leaves to cherish his memory: loving wife Janice M. Skipworth; two daughters Fonda Etherly and Monica King; son-in-law, Jimmy King; three grandchildren, Brandon Skipworth (Morgan); Brittany Etherly, and Trey King; brother, Stanley Skipworth (Susan); mother-in-law, Isabella Newsome; brother-in-law, Jett Newsome Jr. (Diann); sister-in-law, Elaine Taylor (Earl); two godsons, Victor Cole and Dwight Owens; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends.
October 1, 1941 - December 4, 2023
Leonard Eugene Skipworth, son of Robert H. Skipworth and Margaret Lovelace Bailey was born on October 1, 1941, in Florence, Alabama.
On Monday, December 4th, 2023, he peacefully transitioned to his heavenly home surrounded by his loving family.
Leonard attended Burrell Slater High School, Class of 1960, where he was a member of the football team. Following his high school graduation, he continued his education at Alabama A&M College, where he met the love of his life, Janice. After college, Leonard dedicated numerous years to Ford Motor Company until the closure of the plant. He later worked at Delphi as a Quality Control Operator in Athens, AL. He retired from Delphi several years later.
Leonard accepted Christ at an early age and was a lifelong member of Bethel Cumberland Presbyterian Church. He loved working in the church and cherished praising the Lord. He was a devoted elder, a proud member of the male chorus, and an active member of the Florence Presbytery. He served on several committees, and always enjoyed helping others.
Leonard devoted over 50 years to spreading the joy of gospel music throughout the Shoals area. Serving as the voice of WZZA, known as the "Soul of the Shoals," Leonard touched countless lives by sharing a diverse array of gospel favorites. He would end each show with an encouraging "Thought for the Day". Beyond his impactful career in music, Leonard was a pillar of the community. He took on various roles, such as chairman of UAW Ford Retirees, Local 255, and played an active part in the local Democratic party. Leonard's commitment extended to serving on the Democratic Election Committee. He sincerely enjoyed working the polls on election day. He was also an esteemed member of the Top Hatter's Club. His multifaceted involvement showcased his dedication to the betterment of the community.
Well known in the Quad-cities area, Leonard aka, Skip, Skip Jack, or Lou, always spread laughter and joy to his community. In his spare time, he enjoyed spending time with family and watching football, "The Price is Right" and "The Young & The Restless". Always wearing a smile on his face, he would walk around and say, "Merry Christmas!" to all those he encountered. Not just on Christmas day, but rather all throughout the year. His light was a blessing to all. To know him was to love him.
Leonard was proceeded in death by his father, Robert H. Skipworth; mother, Margaret Bailey; stepfather, Horace Bailey; his three brothers, L.C., Robert, and Glen Skipworth; two sisters, Dorothy Gilbert, and Francis Johnson.
He leaves to cherish his memory: loving wife Janice M. Skipworth; two daughters Fonda Etherly and Monica King; son-in-law, Jimmy King; three grandchildren, Brandon Skipworth (Morgan); Brittany Etherly, and Trey King; brother, Stanley Skipworth (Susan); mother-in-law, Isabella Newsome; brother-in-law, Jett Newsome Jr. (Diann); sister-in-law, Elaine Taylor (Earl); two godsons, Victor Cole and Dwight Owens; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends.
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