Raymond Skelton, Sr.

Raymond Skelton, Sr.

Raymond Milton Skelton Sr., of Wilmington NC and previously of Augusta GA, passed away peacefully on November 1, 2022 in Charleston SC. He was 82. He was born on August 9, 1940, in Aiken SC, to the late Claude Eugene Skelton and Evelyn Bussey Skelton. He was predeceased by his beautiful wife of 55 years, Rebecca Brown Skelton and his brother Claude Eugene “Gene” Skelton and nephew Clay Skelton. He is survived by two children, Susan Skelton Gough of Charleston, SC and Raymond Skelton Jr, (Celine) of Sacramento, CA. Grandchildren Jackson Riley Gough of Boone, NC, Connor Skelton of Sacramento, CA as well as brother Norman B. Skelton (Sandra) of Augusta GA. Also dear and close to Raymond and Becky’s heart are surviving best friends of 65-plus years, Mr.and Mrs. Herbert C. Lorick, of Augusta GA, who introduced them and had a lifelong, enduring friendship.

Raymond was a graduate of Richmond Academy High school in Augusta and received a Bachelor’s Degree from Georgia Southern University. He spent 2 years in the Army Reserves as a medic. He met the love of his life, Becky, and they married on November 12, 1966. Moon River by Andy Williams was always their song. He had an early career in real estate followed by several years with IHCC in Atlanta GA. It was then, at 40 years old, a chance of a lifetime career opportunity changed his path in life. He became the first owner/ operator of Chick-Fil-A in Wilmington NC in 1979. During an incredible 42 year career span, he was dedicated to the Christian based company and changed many lives. He was a mentor and guide for so many young people. Always kind, fair, honest and so very generous to the city of Wilmington and it’s community. He was known by many of his golfing buddies as “ The Prince of Poultry”.

Raymond was a true Southern gentleman of great Episcopal faith and loved his family deeply. His love for the game of golf and his hometown favorite, The Masters, was immeasurable as he grew up on a golf course and always said that he “loved the game”. Anyone who knew him knew his beloved Georgia Bulldogs was on every Saturday during football season with his favorite saying “GO DAWGS!!!” He enjoyed many years on the Intracoastal Waterway as captain of the Ray-Fil-A, cruising around listening to Motown and beach music. An occasional glass of port or his favorite BBQ from Sconyers would be the perfect end to his day. He had a great love for dogs and enjoyed several cocker spaniels and golden retrievers throughout the years.

Although our hearts are incredibly broken and our lives will never be the same, we find peace knowing he’s with his beautiful bride, dancing to Moon River, resting in eternal peace, love and with God the Father. We love you daddy/ grandaddy and will rejoice with you again someday.

Many thanks to the incredible staff at Kempton of Charleston and Lutheran Hospice. You are all angels who walk this earth. We are forever grateful for the love, respect and compassion you all had with his care during this time.

A church service will be held on Wednesday November 9, 2022 at 1:00pm at The Church of the Good Shepherd, in Augusta, with interment immediately following at Westover Memorial Park. A memorial service will be held at a later date in Wilmington, NC.

Thomas Poteet & Son Funeral Directors, 214 Davis Rd., Augusta, GA 30907 (706) 364-8484. Please sign the guestbook at www.thomaspoteet.com