Mr. Hooper Jr. Skelton was born in Waynesboro, TN to his parents the late Mr. Hopper Skelton Sr. and Mrs. Rosie Lucille Mathis Skelton on July 18, 1944. Mr. Hooper would spend his childhood surrounded by the natural beauty of Wayne County and learned from an early age to appreciate the outdoors, a love that would follow him throughout his life. He attended school in Waynesboro, TN and graduated from Wayne County High the class of 1962. During his adult vocational years, he would work in several different fields throughout the years. He enjoyed driving the school bus for the Wayne County School System ensuring children made it to school safely, also he worked for Maury Ohio manufacturing in Lawrenceburg, Genesco Boot Factory in Waynesboro, TN as well as spending many years in the Logging Industry using his signature team of horses to snake logs from many different locations in and around Wayne County. Sometime after high school, Mr. Skelton would meet the love of his life and future wife Mrs. Eva Joyce Shedd and the two would unite in marriage on May 10, 1969 at the Courthouse in Waynesboro, TN and would remain married until her passing on January 19, 2022. The two would forever intertwine their hearts and lives, raise their family in their beloved hometown and set deep familial roots within the Waynesboro Community. He was of the Baptist faith and in his leisure, time could be found building bird houses, fishing, trading various items with friends, fishing and his favorite pastime just “piddling” around his farm, working on various projects. His deep passion for the outdoors only come second in his life to his family especially his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren whether they were related by blood or by his heart. To those who knew him best, he will be forever remembered as a hard worker, deeply devoted husband, father and grandfather. Mr. Hooper Jr. Skelton passed from this life on August 27, 2025 at his home surrounded by family making his stay on this earth some 81 years, 1 months and 9 days.
Those left to honor his memory include his children Chuck Skelton, Tabitha Casteel and Scott Skelton wife Anita all of Waynesboro, TN; grandchildren Nicole Crews husband Blaine, Madison Skelton fiancé Lennox, Colby wife Chelsea Littrell, Brandon wife Carrie Frazier, Bailey Casteel fiancé Michael , Corey Cruce and Chris Cruce wife Julie ; a host of great-grandchildren; Mr. Skelton was blessed with many family members some of blood relation and many others adopted all whom he loved deeply and kept close to his heart;
In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his siblings Quincey Skelton Jackson, Rosie Doretta Skelton Staggs, Nadine Skelton Hanson, Richard Glen Skelton and Jerry Lee Skelton
Funeral Services will be held Saturday August 30, 2025 at 11:00 am with Carey Crews officiating burial will follow in Memorial Gardens in Waynesboro, TN.
Visitation with the Skelton Family will be held Saturday August 30, 2025 beginging at 9:00 am service time.
