J. W. Skelton, 88, resident of Benton County, heard those faithful words on July 6, 2024, “Well done, good and faithful servant! Come and share your master’s happiness!’”, as he transitioned from his earthly home to his heavenly home.
Funeral Services honoring Mr. J. W.’s life will be at 1 PM Tuesday July 9, 2024, at Calvary Baptist Church in Benton County with Bro. Robert Buse officiating. Visitation will be from 10 AM until service time on Tuesday July 9, 2024, at Calvary Baptist Church and burial will follow in the church cemetery.
Born on March 1, 1936, in Marshall County to the late Dave and Ola Williams Skelton, Mr. J. W. received his education from Slayden Public School System. On May 6, 1956, he married his beloved wife, Mrs. Connie Byrd Skelton, where the two resided in Benton County, raising their two boys and built their family. A man with a strong work ethic, Mr. J. W. was employed with Fruehauf Trailor Manufacture for thirty-two years before his retirement. During his employment with Fruehauf and even after his retirement, he was a farmer by heart who loved working the land, riding a tractor, tending to his cows, and being in God’s creation.
Mr. J. W.’s love for the outdoor ranged even further than farming, as he always looked forward to a night spent coon hunting or afternoon deer hunting. A deacon and dedicated member for over fifty years of Calvery Baptist Church, Mr. J. W. was fully devoted to his church and his Lord. He was there every time the doors were open, listening to God’s word, worshiping with his fellow neighbors, and even helping rebuild the church after a tornado came through in 2015. Mr. J. W. had an easy-going personality, whose legacy will always be that of a simple man who worked hard for what he had, helped others in any and every opportunity, cared and provided for his family, and most importantly, trusted and loved God with all his heart.
“Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” Proverbs 3:5-6
In addition to his wife of sixty-eight years, Connie Byrd Skelton, memories will continue to be shared by one son, Jeff Skelton (Pat), five grandchildren, Brandy Griffin (John), Mandy Owen (Michael), Wendy Skelton, Melissa Skelton, and Savannah Graves (Tyler) and six great grandchildren, Madison Shelton (Cameron), Hunter Griffin, Kason Owen, Jacey Gail Owen, Madden Graves, and Marion Graves.
He was preceded in death by his parents and one son, Ricky Skelton.
Ripley Funeral Home invites you to share memories with Mr. J. W.’s family.
