Andrew C Skipper, Sr.

Andrew Skipper, Sr. was born on October 30, 1935 to proud parents Clyde Skipper and Maggie Lean (Stephens) Skipper. He was the eldest son of 14 children, all of whom were  brought up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. With those calves in mind, Andrew entered into military service with the United States Army in 1954. He went on to serve his country with distinction during the Cold War, spending time in Germany, Korea, and Vietnam. He received several commendations for his meritorious service, including the prestigious bronze star. Throughout this time, Andrew never forgot his family, and would regularly send money home. 

He married Edith Y. Cochran in 1956. Together they spent time traveling in the United States and abroad. They were blessed with four children, the eldest of which (Kaytronia) preceded him in transition in 2013. Andrew retired from the Armed Forces in 1974. That same year,  he began working for the Federal Bureau of Prisons at the United States Penitentiary in Atlanta, Georgia. During his tenure there Andrew would experience 2 major disturbances, the last of which was the Cuban Siege of 1987. He received an accommodation for heroism and valor for his quick thinking and decisive actions during that time. He retired from the Bureau in 1994. He subsequently married Laura Norton on December 4, 2012. As members of New Maranda Baptist Church, they lived together blissfully until the time of his transition. During his lifetime, Andrew was a member of several civic organizations, and had an extensive list of talents and achievements. Perhaps his greatest asset was his willingness to be helpful to both his family members, and also his friends. He often opened his home to them and was always there with words of wisdom that had the ability to bring ease and assurance to most any situation. When contemplating this day, he would always say “I want my record in life to speak for itself.” His was a life of service to others.  

He leaves to cherish his memory, his wife: Laura Norton Skipper of Dothan, AL; children: Andrew Skippers,  Jr., Marcia Skipper of Riverdale, GA and Kevin (Sharon) Skipper of Ashford, AK; step children: Sheryl Prophey, Margaret Norton of New Jersey, Larry Norton of New York, Julinda Norton of Atlanta, GA, Darren Norton of Dothan, AL; sisters: Birletha U. Moore of Newville, AL, Beatrice Brantley, Eunice Floyd, and Merler Mae Davis of Dothan, AL; brothers: Jerome (Jewel) Skipper of  Enterprise, AL; and Napoleon Skipper of Dothan, AL; seven grandchildren: Brandon, Travis , Evin, Andrew III, Amber, Adam, and Aurielle; nine great grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and other relatives and friends.

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