Skidmore, Richard Carlton

Richard Carlton Skidmore, 80, of Narrows, passed away Saturday, July 2, 2011. He was born in Tioga, West Virginia on May 13, 1931 and was the son of the late Thomas S. and Myrtle Whaling Skidmore. In addition to his mother and father, he was preceded in death by a son, Richard Carlton Skidmore, Jr.; two brothers, Edward Skidmore and Delbert Skidmore; and two sisters, Freda Robertson and Edna Harrell. A 1948 graduate of Narrows High School, Richard served in the United States Air Force during the Korean War, and was a retired employee of Celanese Acetate in Narrows with over 26 years service. He was also a truck driver for SEMCO (Southern Electric Machine Company), Rowe Furniture and Burlington Furniture. At the time of his death, Richard was serving as Vice-Mayor of the Town of Narrows, where he had served on town council since 2002. He was also a representative for Narrows on the New River Planning District Commission. Richard was a faithful member of First Presbyterian Church in Narrows, where he served on the church’s session, as well as being a deacon and treasurer. He was a devoted member of the Narrows Lions Club, serving for 41 years in a number of capacities including treasurer, secretary, past-president, and deputy district governor, receiving the Melvin Jones Fellowship in 1998, in addition to being named Lion of the Year in 1992 to 93, and the receiving the Outstanding Service Award in 1986. Left to cherish his memory are his wife of 57 years, Marjorie Nichols Skidmore; two daughters and sons-in-law, Sandra Richardson (Bill) of Hardy, Virginia, and Carolyn Lewis (Mark) of Forest Hill, West Virginia; a brother, Tom Skidmore (Alma) of Richmond, Virginia; several nieces; and nephews; and many special friends. Funeral services will be held Wednesday, July 6, 2011 at 11 a.m. at the First Presbyterian Church in Narrows with the Rev. Shirley Larson officiating. Burial will follow in Fairview Cemetery in Narrows with graveside rites conducted by VFW Post #6000 and American Legion Post #68. The family will receive friends at Riffe’s Funeral Service in Narrows Tuesday from 6 to 8 p.m. The family requests that those sending memorial contributions, please consider First Presbyterian Church; 702 Memorial Boulevard; Narrows, Virginia 24124. The family is being served by Riffe’s Funeral Service in Narrows, (540) 726-2442.