Charlie Coolidge Skelton

Charlie Coolidge Skelton of North Richland Hills, TX previously from Waynesboro, TN, went to be with his Lord and Savior on March 7, 2025 at the age of 100. At the time of his peaceful passing, he was at home surrounded by family and a loving long-time caregiver. He was a man of great faith in God, incredible strength, integrity, work ethic, generosity, kindness and immense humor. He was a master joke teller.

Charlie was born November 26, 1924 in Waynesboro, TN, the son of Olin and Davie Skelton. He was one of nine children: James, Lorene, Harvel (“Buddy”), Earl and Pearl Marie (twins), Roy, Gina and half-brother John.

Charlie married the love of his life Opal Irene (Risner) in 1944 and enjoyed 66 ½ years of marriage.

Charlie was preceded in death by his parents, his cherished wife, Opal; all of his siblings, (except Roy and Gina); his two infant twin sons, Harry and Larry; and great granddaughter, Tammi Vanessa.

He is survived by his children, Dan Skelton (Sara), Diana Roney (Marvin), granddaughters, Tonya Hebert (Joey), Tammi Gladwin (Philip) and step-granddaughter, Erica Roney. In addition, great grandchildren, Delaney Burns, Decker Colby Skelton, Justin White, and great-great grandchildren, Madison Mae, Rowdy Alan, and RosaLynn Taylor. He is also survived by his siblings Gina and Roy. (Roy passed just two days after Charlie.)

Charlie joined the Navy and served as an Aircraft Machinist during WWII. He survived Typhoon Cobra in the Philippine Sea in December, 1944 while aboard the aircraft carrier, USS Cape Esperance, which was severely damaged during the storm. After discharge from the military, he worked at his occupation as a truck driver, until he retired. Outside of work he bred, raised, raced and showed Appaloosa, Quarter, and Thoroughbred horses at his C&D’s Ranch in Greenwood, IN. In 1990, he returned with his wife to his birthplace, Waynesboro, TN and continued his passion for horses. Horses were an everyday part of his life into his mid 80’s, at which time his eyesight kept him from continuing his lifelong passion.

After the passing of his wife, he moved to Texas to live with his daughter and son-in-law. He lived in Texas for the last ten plus years of his life with his dog, Colby and his grand pups, Priest and Jayda who surrounded him nightly at dinner.

Charlie’s remarkable life touched the hearts of all who knew him, and he will be deeply missed by family and friends. His legacy of strength, gratefulness, kindness, generosity and humor will continue to inspire those who knew him.

A graveside service for family and friends, will be held Sunday, June 1, 2025 at Memorial Gardens at 1:00 pm in Waynesboro, TN. In lieu of flowers, the family ask donations be made to: Horse Plus Humane Society, 600 Charles McClearan Road, Hohenwald, TN 38462