Dr. William E. Skelton, 89, passed away
on Saturday, August 30, 2008, after a courageous battle with
cancer. Dr. Skelton was known worldwide for his exceptional
lifetime of outstanding service to others. He lived by three
mottos: "To Make The Best Better", "That I May Serve", and
"Service Above Self". These three mottos for 4-H, Virginia Tech,
and Rotary International, respectively, summarize Bill's
selfless commitment to serving others. Born January 10, 1919, in
Dinwiddie County, Dr. Skelton grew up on his family's tobacco
farm. He enrolled in the Cadet Corps at Virginia Tech in 1936
and worked his way through college, graduating in 1940, with a
B.S. in agricultural engineering. Bill began his career in
Virginia Cooperative Extension when he became a 4-H agent, in
Appomattox, Va. He served in World War II as a United States
Army officer in Trinidad and in the African and Italian
theaters, retiring as a lieutenant colonel. After the war, Dr.
Skelton earned his master's and doctorate in educational
administration at Cornell University.
In 1949, Dr. Skelton returned to Blacksburg to begin his 39-year
career at Virginia Tech, first as director of 4-H programs and
director of the Cooperative Extension Service and culminating
with his appointment as Dean of the Extension Division in 1965.
He held that position until he retired in 1979, at which time
the University conferred upon him the title of Dean Emeritus.
In addition to his leadership in Extension, Skelton has been
recognized for 70 years of service to Virginia Tech and the
surrounding community in various roles, including volunteer
fundraiser, reunion organizer, leadership board member, and
campaign chair. For his dedication to 4-H and his 40 years of
outstanding volunteer service to the Smith Mountain Lake 4-H
Center, the facility changed its name in 2004, to the W. E.
Skelton 4-H Educational Conference Center.
Bill led the effort to build the conference and alumni center at
Virginia Tech, serving as chair of the committee that oversaw
the planning, design, and fundraising for the center which
included an attached hotel. The complex was named the Inn at
Virginia Tech with its Skelton Conference Center named to
recognize the tremendous service to the University by Skelton
and his wife, Margaret. The couple has endowed the Skelton Award
for Academic Excellence, a scholarship awarded annually to a
male and female athlete at Virginia Tech for their academic and
athletic accomplishments.
Dr. Skelton was known worldwide for his leadership in Rotary
International. After serving as club president for the
Christiansburg, Blacksburg Rotary Club, and Governor of District
7570, he became President of Rotary International in 1983-84.
During that year, he and his wife, Margaret, visited over 100
countries promoting Rotary and "Service Above Self". Bill loved
the mountains, Claytor Lake, and the Blacksburg community. He
began attending the Blacksburg Baptist Church as a cadet and has
been an active member ever since.
Dr. Skelton's greatest legacy is his love for his wife, his
children, and the many friends he has known from all walks of
life. Dr. Skelton is survived by his beloved wife of 32 years,
Margaret G. Skelton; his son, John K. Skelton, of Blacksburg;
and his daughter, Jean S. Montague; and his son-in-law, John W.
Montague Jr., of Midlothian, Va. He was preceded in death by his
mother and father, Myrtle and Cleveland Skelton; his brother, C.
Watson Skelton; his son, William E. Skelton Jr.; and his first
wife, Virginia F. Skelton.
The family would like to extend a special thanks to Traci Burke,
Deborah Corbit, and all the caregivers who have helped Dr.
Skelton this past year. We would also like to thank Dr. Harry
McCoy, Dr. Ed Wilder, and the wonderful staff at Montgomery
Regional Hospital.
Yours in Rotary Service,
Nate McClure, MPHF,
Past President
Rotary Club of Lynchburg, VA, USA, D7570 (2006-2007)
Rotary Club of Muskegon, MI, USA D6290 (2000-2001)
Through service above self and fellowship, the Lynchburg Rotary
Club supports and carries out projects which improve our local
and global communities. |
