Obituary

Fonzell Skinner was born May 12, 1936, to the parentage of Hugh Skinner and Lela Bauchum Skinner. He was the fourth of nine offspring. He was raised in a very straight-laced family, where he was taught the value of work, responsibility, and church every Sunday. He confessed Christ at an early age in the East Texas town of Gilmer, where he learned to love, respect, and share with his brothers and sisters.

Fonzell attended the schools of Upshur County, where he excelled academically and in sports, especially baseball and track and field. He completed his early education, graduating from Bruce High School. He continued his higher education at Texas Southern University, where he majored in chemistry, consistently maintaining high grades. During the college period, he also became a member of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc.

He enlisted in the United States Army, serving for three years in support of his country. After discharge from the services, he married Pauline Veasy Skinner. Together, they parented three children, Nathan, Carlton, and Tiffany

Fonzell's remarkable mind led him in many directions. He dedicated many years of service at Grocer's Supply, served as a tool and die engineer at General Electric, worked as a Machinist, and as an Industrial Mathematics Instructor at Houston Community College. Until his retirement, he was a TCLEOSE instructor with the Harris County Sheriff's Department. His instruction trained law enforcement officers in over 150 Texas state law enforcement agencies.

He was also an entrepreneur, owning P&W Lathe Machine Shop, and a contributor to the development of Tiffany's Assisted Living. He was also a philanthropist. Along with his wife, he donated four acres of land to Murray League Church in Ore City, Texas, for the development of a community center to keep the local youths active.

Maintaining his strong faith, he was active in his church life. At Lily of the Valley, he served as an ordained deacon under the late Rev. John Bolden. At St. Agnes Baptist Church, he served as a Sunday School Superintendent, Bible study contributor, and singer in the male chorus. At New Covenant Christian Church he was active in many fundraisers, in particular the 3K and 5K Walkathons.

He joins the heavenly court with the following family members who preceded him in death: parents, Hugh and Lela Skinner, brothers Rex and Dan Skinner, sister Esther Lee Denman, nephews Robert Freeman and Kenneth Denman, and niece Ovie Jewel Skinner Doucet, along with sister in laws Anita Skinner, Gladys Skinner, and Fayrene Williams.

The precious memories of our beloved Fonzell Skinner will be cherished by his devoted and dedicated wife, Pauline Skinner, one daughter, Tiffany Lorraine of Houston, Texas, two sons, Nathan Earl and Carlton Fitzgerald (Lita) of Houston, Texas. One granddaughter, Chandler, and three grandsons, Christopher, Chadwick, and Caleb of Houston, Texas, two sisters, Maybelle Freeman and Maggie Amos (Oscar) of Austin, Texas, two brothers, Adell Skinner (Evelyn) of Spring, Texas, Theodist Skinner of Pearland, Texas, nieces and nephews and a host of other relatives and friends.