Eugene Skaggs

Gene Skaggs, 87, died Monday, January 25. He was born June 29, 1928 in Swiss, West Virginia. He was preceded in death by his wife of 49 years, Shirley Truman Skaggs. He is survived by Joyce Jean Walker Skaggs, his wife of almost 16 years; one brother, Fred Alden Skaggs (Walleigh), Morgantown, WV; his children: Linda Skaggs Farris (Jim), Montevallo, AL; Darrell David Skaggs (Terri), Houston, TX; Diana Skaggs Waycaster (Gregg), Birmingham, AL; and five grandchildren: Gabrielle Farris, Daniel Farris (Amy), Blake Skaggs, Gabriel Skaggs, and Garrett Waycaster (Lauren).

Gene served with distinction in the US Army for 20 years, seeing action as an infantry soldier in both Korea and Vietnam. He was awarded the Silver Star, Bronze Star with oak leaf cluster, and a Purple Heart. He retired at the rank of Lieutenant Colonel and led Army Junior ROTC for the Birmingham City schools for an additional 10 years.

He was a loving and generous husband, father, and grandfather. His war stories were not about military battles, but about growing up in rural West Virginia, coal mining, getting into mischief with his brothers, summer work on the railroad, and playing football for Wake Forest. He had an infectious joy and contentment that flowed from his faith in Christ. He seemed happiest when he was pouring his life into his grandchildren. Friends and family will miss him greatly.

The family will greet visitors on Thursday, January 28, 2016 at McElwain Baptist Church on Montevallo Road from 11:00am-1:00pm. The funeral service will follow at 1:00pm. Interment will be at Elmwood Cemetery. In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations be made to McElwain Baptist Church.