Joseph Calvin Skinner went home to be with the Lord Thursday, December 3, 2020.

He was born in Portsmouth, VA on December 7, 1949 to the late James Willie Skinner, Sr. and Muriel Elizabeth Blackwell Skinner.

Joseph is a 1969 graduate of I.C. Norcom High School in Portsmouth, VA.

He joined the United States Air Force in February of 1971 where he fulfilled his military duties on Dyess, Elmendorf, Soesterberg, Nellis, Suwon and Langley Air Force Bases among many others.  After 24 years of military service, he retired as a Master Sergeant. He began a second career taking a position at Continental Automotive in Newport News, VA where he worked nearly 17 years.

Elmendorf is where he met and married his wonderful wife, Ella Stokes, in July 1973.  Together they had two daughters, Cadrina M. Parker (Don) Henrico, VA and Tamara L. Hladun (Harry, III) Ft. Washington, MD.  Joseph was also the proud grandfather of David J. Parker and Drew M. A. Parker.

He leaves behind 5 siblings:  James Skinner (Robbie), Yvonne Ellison, Sandra Waddy, Marvin Skinner, Randy Skinner along with many nieces, nephews, cousins, friends and coworkers.

Joseph was a man of integrity with a kind heart who was always eager to help others.  He enjoyed spending time tending to his garden and working in the yard which always drew praise from neighbors and friends alike.  He was a bit of a jokester who liked to pull pranks and tell jokes, enjoying laughing and making others laugh.  He also enjoyed listening to music from his various array of vinyl records, tapes, and CDs.  On Sunday afternoons he could sometimes be found watching and rooting for his favorite team the Dallas Cowboys.

Joseph Skinner will be deeply missed and the impression that he made on others will live on in our hearts forever.

A viewing will be held on Thursday, December 10, 2020 from 3 to 6 p.m. at O. H. Smith Funeral Home in Newport News, VA. Graveside services will be held on Friday, December 11, 2020 at 11 a.m. at Albert G. Horton, Jr. Memorial Veterans Cemetery in Suffolk, VA.  COVID restrictions will be observed.

Please keep his family in your thoughts and prayers.  O. H. Smith & Son Funeral Home is honored to serve the family.