February 12, 2023
February 12, 2023
What a delightful man. We worked together for 12 years. I will truly miss him. He spoke of his family often. I feel like I know them all. What a blessing to have known him.
Dr. Richard Lee Skinner, age 72, of Hoover, Alabama, passed away peacefully at his home on January 29th, 2023. He was born to Stanley Skinner Sr. and Ella Speaks Skinner on November 13th, 1950.
He graduated from Lanett High School in 1969, and received his BS degree from Auburn University in 1973. Rick earned his Doctor of Dental Medicine from the University of Alabama at Birmingham in 1977. He had a private practice in Hueytown, Alabama, for 30 years. After retirement, he was a dentist for the Jefferson County Health Department for 2 years, and then the clinic dentist for Fortis Institute in Birmingham, for 12 years.
He loved everything outdoors. He loved sailing, scuba diving, golfing, hiking, fishing, as well as getting together with his family. He also loved teaching students interested in dental hygiene.
He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Jerrall Skinner. Rick is survived by his wife of 50 years, Janice French Skinner, his children Dr. Jacob William Skinner (Cheryl), Jessica Skinner Snead (Joel), his grandchildren Malea Megan Skinner, Aubrey Grace Skinner, Lily Josephine Snead, and Max Harmon Snead, his brothers Stanley Skinner Jr. (Shirley), and Larry Skinner, his sisters-in-law Nancy Fields, Jane Telhiard, his precious nieces and nephews Caitlyn Parrish(Marc), Trey Fields, Nicole Telhiard, Jeremy Telhiard, Jillian Skinner, and Dr. Russ Skinner, and his beloved dog, Buford. The family will hold a private family service at St George Island, Florida.
This memorial website was created in memory of our loved one, Dr. Richard Skinner. We will remember him forever.
He graduated from Lanett High School in 1969, and received his BS degree from Auburn University in 1973. Rick earned his Doctor of Dental Medicine from the University of Alabama at Birmingham in 1977. He had a private practice in Hueytown, Alabama, for 30 years. After retirement, he was a dentist for the Jefferson County Health Department for 2 years, and then the clinic dentist for Fortis Institute in Birmingham, for 12 years.
He loved everything outdoors. He loved sailing, scuba diving, golfing, hiking, fishing, as well as getting together with his family. He also loved teaching students interested in dental hygiene.
He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Jerrall Skinner. Rick is survived by his wife of 50 years, Janice French Skinner, his children Dr. Jacob William Skinner (Cheryl), Jessica Skinner Snead (Joel), his grandchildren Malea Megan Skinner, Aubrey Grace Skinner, Lily Josephine Snead, and Max Harmon Snead, his brothers Stanley Skinner Jr. (Shirley), and Larry Skinner, his sisters-in-law Nancy Fields, Jane Telhiard, his precious nieces and nephews Caitlyn Parrish(Marc), Trey Fields, Nicole Telhiard, Jeremy Telhiard, Jillian Skinner, and Dr. Russ Skinner, and his beloved dog, Buford. The family will hold a private family service at St George Island, Florida.
This memorial website was created in memory of our loved one, Dr. Richard Skinner. We will remember him forever.
Tributes
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February 1, 2023
February 1, 2023
My name is Angela King. I have worked with Dr. Skinner for 9 years at Fortis Institute. He would provide a post huddle that was so informative to the students and faculty. I am forever thankful that Dr. Skinner has inspired so many people. He often talked of his beautiful family. I will miss our talks. He always looked up new clinical and health related information. Dr. Skinner was the Father of the Clinic. Whatever we needed; he would try to provide. We worked as team. I know that he is in God's hand. I pray that I helped to share messages of hope and trust in the Lord to Dr. Skinner in his last moments on earth. My prayers and condolences to the family. Jan you are a beautiful soul. Thank you for allowing me to text him or call. We will always remember our mentor, faithful, helpful and kind Dr. Skinner. Our Fortis Father has left his mark in all of our heart. He is missed yet remembered everyday. Heaven has our best in him. Until we meet again; farewell for now. You've stolen many hearts and will always live. We are never alone in this world. God is always with us through the good and the bad. You have lived well and there is no more suffering. We love you Dr. Skinner and miss you. Be proud.
Love, Joy and Peace.
John 3:16 Matthew 5:4
Love, Joy and Peace.
John 3:16 Matthew 5:4
February 1, 2023
February 1, 2023
What a life! What a legacy! Would that we all could be so fortunate. One knew that Ricky was special when he was snagged by Janice.
January 31, 2023
January 31, 2023
I graduated from Fortis in 2015. Doctor Skinner was one of the best clinical staff to have as a teacher. Having him as a teacher was like having a funny dad in the classroom. Very nurturing and understanding to all students and staff members. Dr. Skinner would never make you feel like you were incapable of what it was you were trying to accomplish. Instead of making you feel terrible about something you didn’t know, he would take your had and walk you through it. I know that he wasn’t my dad but at school he was still that father figure to a lot of us inside the classroom and maybe to most who came in contact with him. No matter what people respected him as if he was their dad. He will be missed. To be absent from the body means to be present with the Lord. Rest well my clinical dad.
January 31, 2023
January 31, 2023
Dr. Skinner, you will be deeply missed. I enjoyed you as a student and then later when I became an instructor. You were always very knowledgeable and helpful. Thank you for being you. My condolences to your family praying for their strength during this difficult time.
January 31, 2023
January 31, 2023
Thoughts and prayers for all of the family.
Remember spending time with Uncle Ricky as a child. Fun memories learning to swim and visiting Birmingham.
Remember spending time with Uncle Ricky as a child. Fun memories learning to swim and visiting Birmingham.
January 31, 2023
January 31, 2023
I was a fortis dental hygiene student at Fortis. Dr. Skinner was one of my dentists. I learned so much in clinic. Sometimes I would go up to his desk and say, “Dr. Skinner I'm bored! I wanna learn something!”. He would teach me about gutta-percha, Caries classification, etc. I remembered how he took his time teaching me and trying to find different ways to help me to understand. Also, I remembered when something happened I would always say “I didn't do it” (as a joke). The funniest part is Dr. Skinner would joke about it. We all had good memories, funny jokes, learning something new, etc. He was an amazing dentist and a fantastic teacher! He will be missed forever! Rest in peace, Dr. Skinner❤️
January 31, 2023
January 31, 2023
Rick was a good neighbor. One time he rescued Barney for me after he had wandered down the street. I will miss seeing him walk Buford. He was a good friend and a good person and I will miss him. My heart goes out to Jan and family as they go forward. I will be thinking of them in the days ahead.
January 31, 2023
January 31, 2023
Jan, Jacob, Jessica and extended families,
Just want you all to know how sorry I am for your loss. Having worked for Dr. Skinner for over 30 yrs I experienced a lot your lives and you all will always hold a special place in my heart. I know there is a great emptiness right now but we know those in heaven are in a much better place than we are here on this earth. I pray ya’ll will take comfort in that knowledge. Love and sympathy to all of you! Cindy
Just want you all to know how sorry I am for your loss. Having worked for Dr. Skinner for over 30 yrs I experienced a lot your lives and you all will always hold a special place in my heart. I know there is a great emptiness right now but we know those in heaven are in a much better place than we are here on this earth. I pray ya’ll will take comfort in that knowledge. Love and sympathy to all of you! Cindy
January 31, 2023
January 31, 2023
We love Dr. Skinner. I still have the Christmas gift he gave us. He’s such a cool doctor. Our class said that he had the coolest walk. He’s so much smart and he loves his students. We are praying for his family and friends. He definitely holds a place in everyone’s heart. It’s a blessing to learn from him. We love you Dr. Skinner
January 31, 2023
January 31, 2023
My heart goes out to the whole family, mourning the loss of a wonderful and inspiring husband, father and grandfather! I know his legacy will live on with his children and grandchildren and the rest of the extended family and he will have a special place in their hearts forever!
January 31, 2023
January 31, 2023
I have been so blessed to be able to share family and grandchildren with Rick. He was an awesome, much loved ‘Pops’ by his grandchildren. He was a wonderful father to his children. He was a great husband and best friend to his dear wife. He made many lasting impressions on a great many people as he traveled through his life. He has left an empty place in so many hearts. I know he will be greatly missed. I’m so glad he was a part of my life.
January 30, 2023
January 30, 2023
Rick was the best next door neighbor going on 9 years now. He was very kind and intelligent and always there to lend a helping hand when needed. We had many long conversations about everything while we were out doing our chores.
I was talking with one of the children raised on the street the other day about Rick and it was so touching. She said Rick was like her second dad.
Rick will be missed very, very much. Lots of love and prayers for the family...
I was talking with one of the children raised on the street the other day about Rick and it was so touching. She said Rick was like her second dad.
Rick will be missed very, very much. Lots of love and prayers for the family...
January 30, 2023
January 30, 2023
Tommy and I were and are lucky enough to have been friends with Rick, Jan, and the rest of the family for 50 years. Fun trips, dinners, sporting events, and happy times will be cherished by us and they will make us smile. Rick always welcomed friends on adventures and into his home. We already miss him, and it hurts. Love to all in this time of grieving such a loss. Marjo and Tommy
January 30, 2023
January 30, 2023
Rick was a wonderful neighbor and friend! We will always remember Rick walking his beloved dog ,Buford, in the neighborhood. One of our special memories was when Rick and Jan invited us to join them on a sailing trip , where Rick was a co-captain , to the British Virgin Isles. We will forever be thankful for these wonderful memories with friends.
Glenn and Susan Sheffield
Glenn and Susan Sheffield
Leave a Tribute
Recent Tributes
February 12, 2023
February 12, 2023
What a delightful man. We worked together for 12 years. I will truly miss him. He spoke of his family often. I feel like I know them all. What a blessing to have known him.
February 1, 2023
February 1, 2023
My name is Angela King. I have worked with Dr. Skinner for 9 years at Fortis Institute. He would provide a post huddle that was so informative to the students and faculty. I am forever thankful that Dr. Skinner has inspired so many people. He often talked of his beautiful family. I will miss our talks. He always looked up new clinical and health related information. Dr. Skinner was the Father of the Clinic. Whatever we needed; he would try to provide. We worked as team. I know that he is in God's hand. I pray that I helped to share messages of hope and trust in the Lord to Dr. Skinner in his last moments on earth. My prayers and condolences to the family. Jan you are a beautiful soul. Thank you for allowing me to text him or call. We will always remember our mentor, faithful, helpful and kind Dr. Skinner. Our Fortis Father has left his mark in all of our heart. He is missed yet remembered everyday. Heaven has our best in him. Until we meet again; farewell for now. You've stolen many hearts and will always live. We are never alone in this world. God is always with us through the good and the bad. You have lived well and there is no more suffering. We love you Dr. Skinner and miss you. Be proud.
Love, Joy and Peace.
John 3:16 Matthew 5:4
Love, Joy and Peace.
John 3:16 Matthew 5:4
February 1, 2023
February 1, 2023
What a life! What a legacy! Would that we all could be so fortunate. One knew that Ricky was special when he was snagged by Janice.
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Memories I Will Cherish Forever
January 31, 2023
I was a student at Fortis Institute and had the opportunity to learn from Dr. Skinner. I will remember him forever! One memory I have, is if you asked him a question related to dental, you needed to be prepared to listen for a loooong time because he was determined to give you ALL and more of the information you may need. Another memory is coming into clinic one day seeing a table filled with wrapped gifts of all sizes and I got a little piece of gold. You can tell it made his day seeing all of us open up different gifts.
I use to give him hard times too! I would mess with him about how terrible his off days must have been, knowing he was probably on a boat somewhere. He thought that was funny. Lastly, he thought it was funny (and so did I, and the other classmates) when I’d make fun of his goofy walk when he’d walk so fast through clinic like he was in such a hurry.
He was always someone my classmates and I was happy to see in clinic. I will appreciate everything he did to help us in school and all of the memories. love PK
I use to give him hard times too! I would mess with him about how terrible his off days must have been, knowing he was probably on a boat somewhere. He thought that was funny. Lastly, he thought it was funny (and so did I, and the other classmates) when I’d make fun of his goofy walk when he’d walk so fast through clinic like he was in such a hurry.
He was always someone my classmates and I was happy to see in clinic. I will appreciate everything he did to help us in school and all of the memories. love PK