GREENVILLE - Bennett Ray Skelton, 77, resident of Brookdale Senior Living, died Monday, January 9, 2023.


Born in Anderson, he was the son of the late Hubert S. and Gladys Thrasher Skelton.


A 1964 graduate of Furman University, Mr. Skelton was the retired owner and operator of Skelton Landscaping and Construction Company for 40 years. He was a member of Augusta Road Baptist Church and formerly served as an Elder of Greenville Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church for many years. 

He was a decorated Air Force veteran having served during the Korean War from 1951-1953.
 

In 1975, Mr. Skelton's company was responsible for planting the first trees on Main Street in Greenville which started the revitalization of Greenville, which he was very proud. 

He was former Commander of the VFW, very active in the Prison Ministry and a great mentor to the many prisoners making the transition back to society.
Surviving are two daughters, Amy Elizabeth Buchanan and husband, Dan, and Kimberly Jane Cochran and husband, Phil; a son, Bradley Allan Skelton all of Greenville and Thomas Craig Skelton of Travelers Rest; six grandchildren, April Phillips, Parks Bennett Buchanan, Emma Skelton, Sloan Skelton, Victoria Skelton and Jessica Skelton; and one great grandchild, Ethan.


The funeral service will be held Friday, January 13, 2023 at 1:30 p.m. in the Downtown Chapel. Burial will follow in M.J. "Dolly" Cooper Veterans Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project, 4899 Belfort Road, Suite 300, Jacksonville, FL 32256.