Holly Springs Funeral Home

Jeff Skillman

“To know him was to love him.”
 
Jeffrey Willett Skillman stepped from his earthly home of 65 years to the feet of his Lord and Savior on Thursday, August 26, 2021. He passed into eternity quietly with his wife and children by his side. He was cared for the last hours of his life by a very special team of professionals at the University of Cincinnati Medical Center to whom we will be forever grateful.
 
Jeff was born in Hartford, Connecticut on July 4, 1956 to Willett Runyon Skillman and Helen Archer Skillman. He is preceded in death by his wonderful parents. He is survived by his loving wife of 42 years, DiAnne Lewis Skillman of Mt. Pleasant, Mississippi; daughter, Sarah Preciado (Rick) of Mt. Pleasant, Mississippi; son, Daniel Skillman (Lisa) of Phoenix, Arizona; grandchildren Danny, Jake, Myrryne, Will-Will, Jackson and Kinsley; sisters, Sara Bechtel (Rob) of West Palm Beach, Florida and Jan Becker (Jim – who predeceased Jeff in death) of Goose Creek, North Carolina; nieces and nephews; and a host of beloved friends.
 
Above all achievements, accomplishments, roles and titles, Jeff wanted to be known and remembered as a servant of Jesus Christ who lived his life to glorify God. He faithfully served in His Church at the meeting house of Red Banks Baptist Church. With a smile, softly spoken words of encouragement and genuine concern for others, Jeff endeared himself to everyone he met. From saw-filers and the wood industry which he loved to his church family and family (especially his grandchildren whom he adored), all who knew Jeff loved him and felt loved in return. He loved God and he loved people. For this reason, his family and friends are rejoicing now that his faith has been rewarded by his heavenly Father. Jeff would want you to know the faith he so fervently lived out, for you can have it as well. It is freely given to you.
 
"Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day - and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing."    2 Timothy 4:8
 
A visitation will be held on Sunday, September 5, at 1:00 pm, and a Celebration of Life will be at 3:00 pm at Red Banks Baptist Church. There will be a family meal at the church following the service. The Holly Springs Funeral Home has charge.

Please leave your condolences for the family below in the guest book by filling out the form below.  Your message will be published after review.
Name:


Message:




Name:
from Johnny Rich Lumber Company Burkesville Ky

Date:
8/28/2021 3:00:37 PM

Message:
We are so saddened by your loss our deepest condolences go out to you and your family Jeff was a very good man and special friend to all of us it was very evident that he was a Christian man you and your family are in our prays. Teresa Page Wesley Page Roy Blythe Joe Martino Raymond Matney


Name:
Roy Anderson Lumber Company

Date:
8/30/2021 5:39:14 PM

Message:
So shocked and sorry to hear the passing of Jeff. We, here at Roy Anderson Lumber in Tompkinsville, Kentucky thought a lot of Jeff. The words described in the obituary are exactly as we knew him. He was very kind, soft spoken, and loved the Lord. He was always asking about us and how our families were doing. We are blessed to have known Jeff. Our prayers and condolences are with the family during these difficult days and the days and months ahead.
Love,
Zena Humes
Jennifer Guffey
Josh Hopkins


Name:
Ken and Diane Bastow Houston, Texas

Date:
8/31/2021 2:46:02 PM

Message:
We were so shocked and saddened by his passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all now and the days ahead.

Love,
Ken and Diane Bastow


Name:
Maria Teel

Date:
8/31/2021 4:18:49 PM

Message:
"Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near." Philippians 4:5

I think of Mr. Jeff when I read that verse. He was a precious servant of the Lord willing to help anyone who was in need. I don't believe I ever saw him when he wasn't smiling and ready with a word of encouragement. We are praying for your family.


Name:
Ralph Manting

Date:
8/31/2021 7:39:13 PM

Message:
Jeff is one of the best men I have ever known in my 80 years of life.
He always helped me with the Saw Filers meetings and his weekly calls for parts included good natured stories.
I will miss him.


Name:
Bryan Caudill at East Anderson hardwood

Date:
8/31/2021 9:27:04 PM

Message:
Still in shock Jeff was a good friend would help anyone anyway he could he has helped me alot in saw filing I'm gonna miss him popping in the door at the mill every couple weeks RIP ole buddy


Name:
Junior and Vickie Lawson

Date:
8/31/2021 11:59:24 PM

Message:
He was a good friend. Will forever be missed


Name:
Jennifer and Shawn Schroeder

Date:
9/1/2021 12:09:12 AM

Message:
May God bring your family comfort. Praying for you all.


Name:
Greg Beaumont

Date:
9/1/2021 12:50:38 PM

Message:
I have known Jeff for many many years through the Midwest saw filer Association and him coming to our sawmill. You could not ask for a better person. With his saw filing knowledge he helped us many many times over the years with issues. His relationship with Christ was evident in how he conducted himself. I had the privilege of talking to.him at our mill earlier in the week, never thinking it woukd be our last. We are deeply saddened to lose a good friend . Jeff, you were the best!!! Prayers for the family and may God give you peace and strength in the days ahead.


Name:
Lee Neal

Date:
9/1/2021 4:25:28 PM

Message:
Jeff was one of the most outstanding people I have ever met. It was a privilege to know him and to call him a friend. He will be deeply missed. Thoughts and prayers.


Name:
Cardin Forest Products South Pittsburg TN

Date:
9/2/2021 3:25:47 PM

Message:
We were so saddened by the loss of Jeff. We always enjoyed his visits with us. Such a kind man. Sending many prayers for the family.


Name:
Quality Pallet and Eagle Lumber

Date:
9/3/2021 10:42:46 AM

Message:
We are so sorry to hear of the passing of Jeff. We knew him as a man who lived his life with integrity and Godly values. The following is a clipping I would like to share with his family and friends.
Paul, Josh, Allen, and Jordan

Matthew Henry, an eighteenth century commentator of the Bible, wrote to those whom he anticipated would unduly mourn his death.
"Would you like to know where I am? I am at home in my Father's house in the mansions prepared for me here. I am where I want to be - no longer on the stormy sea, but in God's safe and quiet harbor. My sowing time is done and I am reaping; my joy is at the joy of the harvest.
Would you like to know how it is with me? I am made perfect in holiness. Grace is swallowed up in glory.
Would you like to know what I am doing? I see God, not as through a glass darkly, but face to face. I am engaged in the sweet enjoyment of my precious Redeemer. I am singing hallelujahs to Him who sits upon the throne, and I am constantly praising Him.
Would you know what blessed company I keep? It is better than the best of earth. Here are the holy angels and the spirits of just men made perfect......I am with many of my old acquaintances with whom I wirked and lrayed, and who have come here before me.
Lastly, would you know how long this will continue? It is a dawn that never fades. After millions and millions of ages, it will be as fresh as it is now. Therefore, weep not for me!"


Name:
Brandon Ketner

Date:
9/3/2021 11:35:39 AM

Message:
My thoughts and prayers are with you the family. In my years of being blessed by knowing Jeff, he offen spoke of his family. It was very clear that Jeff loved the Lord, as well as his wife, children, and grandchildren.
I always looked forward to seeing him walk into our mill always greeting each one of us with a smile and uplifting words. I didn't realize for many years why when he would stop by and things were just down and seemed like we were bummed out, that when he left you just had this feeling that everything was a little better. As time passed and we got closer I understood that was the Lord working through Jeff. It wasn't like this just for me and my crew Jeff and I worked for many of the same mills, and each mill I would say his name peoples faces light up and conversation would instantly turn to Jeff and how we each thought so much of him.
Jeff was a great friend to all and will be missed each and every day.