DAVID PRESTON SKINNER

Dr. David Preston Skinner, 62, of Panama City, passed away peacefully on Saturday, August 22, 2010 at his home. David was born November 5, 1947 to Preston and Mary Elizabeth Skinner. He graduated from Rutherford High School and Gulf Coast Community College, received his bachelors and masters degrees from Florida State University in physics, and a Ph.D. from the University of Florida in Electrical Engineering. He then began a long career at the Naval Surface Warfare Center Navy Base here in Panama City, retiring after 37 years of civilian service to the Navy. He held many leadership positions at the Navy Base and was promoted to the executive position of Technical Director in 1995. Under his leadership the technical program funding tripled and he played a pivotal role in defending the Navy Base during the base realignment and closure programs, ensuring that it would continue to provide Sailors and Marines, with the latest and best equipment possible. He was honored with many awards including the Presidential Meritorious Executive Award. Upon his retirement he began teaching engineering at the local campus of Florida State University – his "Dream Job". With vision and foresight, he established a Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) Institute to motivate students and build student careers in the sciences. Over the past three years 500 students and 100 teachers from Bay, Holmes, and Gulf Counties have participated in the program and it has won multiple awards. With all his heart, David loved the Lord, his family, and the youth. He served in the youth ministry since 1972. He served at Northside Baptist Church since 1975, always encouraging his students to keep their eyes on Jesus and to be all that God wants them to be. He learned the game of soccer along with his son and went on to coach his son's team for 12 years, bringing home many trophies and teaching his son, daughter, and local children how to win and lose at sports and in life. David is predeceased by his father, James Preston Skinner. He is survived by his wife of 39 years, Betty "Peaches" Skinner, his mother, Mary Elizabeth Skinner, his daughter, Dana Skinner, and son Dr. Timothy David Skinner, wife Marta and their new baby daughter, Abigail. A celebration of life service will be held at 4 PM on Thursday at Northside Baptist Church, 530 Airport Road, with visitation from 2-4 PM prior to the service. Interment will follow the service at Greenwood Cemetery on Lisenby. In lieu of flowers, the family would like for you to consider making donations to the "STEM", Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics Institute, Florida State University Panama City Foundation, 4750 Collegiate Dr., RmA313, Panama City FL 32405 or Northside Baptist Church Building Fund, 530 Airport Rd, Panama City, FL 32405.

Wilson Funeral Home