Billy F. Skipper

Billy Frank Skipper, 85, of Hot Springs, Ark., met his heavenly Father on Oct. 17, 2019. He was an ordained deacon of Crystal Hill Baptist Church in North Little Rock. After moving to Hot Springs he became a deacon at Center Fork Missionary Baptist Church. He was born July 7, 1934, in the Fire Station of Morrilton, Ark., where his father was the fire chief.

He is preceded in death by his father, Arthur Franklin Skipper; mother, Mary Etta Evans (Mae) Skipper; and brothers, James and Charles Ray Skipper.

He is survived by his wife, Patsy Ruth Hall Skipper; son, Billy Ray Skipper; grandchildren, Ronny James Skipper (Shauna) and Erika Nikole Skipper Henderson (Lance); and great-grandchildren, Hank and Harper Skipper, and Lane Henderson.

Upon graduation from North Little Rock High School, he joined the Naval Reserve serving for eight years. He attended the University of Arkansas at Little Rock on a football scholarship. After leaving there, he worked at the Trailway Station. In 1960 he joined the Arkansas State Police where he would serve for 27 years, attaining the rank of lieutenant. After retiring from ASP, he continued with the Pulaski County Sherriff’s Office. Upon moving to Hot Springs, he worked as a federal court security officer. All other deeds are left in God’s hands; nothing else need be said.

Visitation for Lt. Skipper will be held from 6-8 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 22, 2019, in the chapel of Gross Funeral Home.

Funeral service will be 2 p.m. Wednesday in the sanctuary of Center Fork Missionary Baptist Church with Brother Lynn Baxter officiating.

Interment with full US Navy and ASP Honors will immediately follow in Memorial Gardens Cemetery.

The online obituary, guestbook and memorial tribute are available at https://www.GrossFuneralHome.com.