Obituary of Gordon Skipper

Mr. A. Gordon Skipper, 94, of Tallahassee, died Wednesday, March 9, 2011 in Tallahassee. Born in Zolfo Springs, FL, Mr. Skipper moved to Ocala at age 6 where he continued to live until just recently when he moved to Tallahassee to be with his daughter. He worked for many years at Munroe & Chambliss National Bank (which became Barnett Bank and now Bank of America). Few people have been more active in the local community than Gordon Skipper. His numerous involvements include: earning his commercial pilots' license in the early 1940's; President of the Ocala Jaycees 1943-44; President of the Ocala Kiwanis Club 1963; President of the United Appeal 1968-69; President of the Ocala-Marion County Chamber of Commerce 1980; Past Chairman-Marion County US Savings Bond Program; Chairman-Private Industry Council; Past Chairman Heart Association; Past Chairman Industrial Development Council; Past Vice-Chairman - Boy Scouts; Director-Boys' Club of Marion County; Director - Cancer Society; Past Chairman - Central Florida TB Association; appointed by the Florida State Cabinet to serve on the Industry Services Council - 1981-85; served on various committees - Florida Bankers' Association; upon retirement for Barnett Bank, Ocala Mayor Wayne Rubinas proclaimed October 1, 1981 Gordon Skipper Day in the city of Ocala. Mr. Skipper was a member of First Baptist Church of Ocala for more than 80 years, and during that time served as a Deacon, Trustee, and church Treasurer. He is survived by his daughter Barbara Skipper Johnson, Tallahassee; brother David Lee Skipper, Ocala; grandsons Gordon Raymond "Skip" Johnson and wife Sheri, Spring Hill; Robert Peter "Bob" Johnson, Jr., Tallahassee, great grandsons Robert Jared Johnson and Dylan Patrick Johnson, Tallahassee; niece Laura Lee Skipper; and nephew Michael Langworthy, Daytona Beach. Funeral services for Mr. Skipper will be held at 3 PM Saturday, March 12, 2011, at First Baptist Church, Ocala, 2801 SE Maricamp Road, Ocala, with Dr. Edward D. Johnson officiating. The family will receive friends from 2 PM until service time. Interment will follow in Highland Memorial Park under the direction of Hiers-Baxley Funeral Services, 910 E. Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala. Memorial contributions may be made to the First Baptist Church Building Fund, Interfaith Emergency Services, or your favorite charity.