Obituary of Cecil A. "Coach" Skinner Jr.

Cecil Aubrey “Coach” Skinner Jr. of Ozark, Alabama, passed away peacefully in his home on July 21, 2024, at the age of 86. Memorial services will be held 10:00 A. M. Friday, July 26, 2024, in the First United Methodist Church of Ozark (167 East Broad Street) with Reverend Dr. Jason Thrower and Reverend Dr. Billy D. Gaither officiating, Holman Funeral Home of Ozark directing. The family will receive friends following the service in the Church Family Life Center. Cecil was born in Camden, Alabama, where he attended elementary and high school. He graduated with both Bachelor of Science and Master of Education degrees from the University of Alabama, where he was a member of the Alpha Tau Omega fraternity. His coaching career began at A.G. Parrish High School in Selma, Alabama. After three years, he accepted a position at Carroll High School in Ozark, where he spent 27 of the best years of his life as a beloved basketball coach, retiring with a 403/277 record in 1989. Cecil was recognized for his accomplishments by induction into the Wiregrass Sports Hall of Fame and by the Dothan Eagle as one of the “Top Ten Coaches of All Time.” Cecil is preceded in death by his parents, Cecil Aubrey Skinner, Sr. and Gladys Hermann Skinner; and his sister, Patricia Skinner Hudson. Cecil is survived by his wife, Hilda Morgan Skinner; son, Walter Stuart Skinner; daughters, Robin (Todd) Mitchell and Hayley Conaway (Chad) Harris; grandchildren, Nathan (Lindsey) Freese, Morgan (Caleb) Sims, Hayden (Chandler) Robinson, Jack Harris, Benjamin (Dell) Harris; great grandchildren, Millie and Silas Sims; brother-in-law, Dickie (Mary) Morgan; and sister-in-law, Stacia Barnes. The family would like to extend sincere appreciation to Community Hospice of Dale Medical, with special thanks to beloved caretaker, Pat Stucky; hospice aide, Angela Laster; hospice nurse, Tammie Rhodes; and Hospice Director, Deena Strickland. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the General Fund of the First United Methodist Church of Ozark, 167 East Broad Street, Ozark, Alabama 36360.