Rev. Alan R. Skinner, Sr.

Rev. Alan Reid Skinner, Sr., 78, of Louisburg, went home to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on Monday, July 6, 2026, at Maria Parham Hospital, following a brief illness. 

He was born September 25, 1947, in Dover, New Hampshire, to the late Franklin Alton Skinner, Jr. & Ethel Natalie Hardy Skinner. One of eight children, Alan lived a life defined by faith, humility, and service to others. 

Following his graduation from high school, Alan proudly enlisted in the United States Army, where he faithfully served his country and attained the rank of Sergeant. During his military service, he met Mary Joyce Pryor. The two were married and shared 39 wonderful years together, building a loving family before her passing in 2011. While serving in the Army, Alan was afforded the opportunity to travel and further develop his remarkable culinary talents. Throughout his career, he prepared two presidential buffets, taught culinary arts through Job Corps, instructed members of Queen Elizabeth II's staff in the art of ice sculpting, and even carved two ice swans for North Carolina State University. He spent many years in the food service industry, finding great joy in preparing meals that brought people together. 

Feeling God's call upon his life, Alan later completed his studies at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary and faithfully served as a bivocational pastor. His ministry began at the Raleigh Rescue Mission, where he ministered to those in need with compassion and grace, and concluded at Historic Glen Royal Baptist Church, where he continued proclaiming the Gospel and faithfully shepherding others in their walk with Christ. 

When he wasn't serving others, Alan enjoyed some of life's simpler pleasures. He was a lifelong Boston Red Sox fan who faithfully cheered on his team through every season, an avid Carolina Tar Heels basketball fan, and found peace spending time trout fishing whenever the opportunity arose. Whether enjoying a game, casting a line into a quiet stream, or spending time with family and friends, he appreciated God's creation and treasured the moments shared with those he loved. 

Alan never desired recognition or the spotlight. His greatest joy was serving the Lord and sharing the message of salvation with everyone he met. He never encountered a stranger who wasn't an opportunity to share the love of Christ, and if someone was in need, he was always willing to help in any way he could. His life could best be summarized in four simple words: God, Family, Country & Community. Though his earthly journey has ended, his love for Jesus Christ will continue to live on through the countless lives he touched. 

Friends may visit with the family from 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Thursday, July 9, 2026 at Historic Glen Royal Baptist Church, followed by the funeral service at 12:30 a.m. Burial will follow in Pine Forest Memorial Gardens. 

Rev. Skinner is survived by his loving wife of 14 years, Elizabeth Jane Skinner; his children, Alan Reid "Butch" Skinner, Jr. & wife Jennifer of Keene, NH, Derek Joel Skinner & wife, Olivia Ann, of Unionville, Erin Marie Skinner of St. Louis, MO, Lindsey Skinner Lantz & husband, Brian, of Wilmington, Brian Beatty of Mount Airy, and Erin Elizabeth Hardin & husband, Rob, of Maysville; his grandchildren, Shayla, Melissa, Nicholas, Rachel Ann, John Samuel, Jackson Thomas, Gracie Reid, Natalie "Nattie" Noelle, KouriAna, Asa, and Taber; many great-grandchildren; sister, Charlotte Carlton & husband, Paul of Portsmouth, NH; his special friend and brother in Christ, Stuart Finch of Wake Forest; his beloved Glen Royal Baptist Church family; his faithful companions, Lily and Melanie; and many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Mary Joyce Pryor Skinner(2011); brothers & sisters, Eileen Emery, Frank Skinner, Robert Skinner, Janis Roux, Carole Ann Powell, Melissa Gordon. 

Flowers are welcome, or memorial contributions may be made to Historic Glen Royal Baptist Church's Deacons Fund,731 Elizabeth Ave, Wake Forest, NC 27587, the Tunnels to Towers Foundation, the Wounded Warrior Project, the USO, or any veterans organization that is meaningful to you. 

 Alan has now heard the words he faithfully lived his life to receive: “Well done, good and faithful servant.”  

Arrangements by Clancy Strickland Wheeler Funeral Home, 1051 Durham Road, Wake Forest, NC 27587. (919-556-7400) 

www.cswfuneralhome.com