Robert Allan Skidmore, AKA, "Skiddy", passed away on May 27, 2024, at his home in Conway, South Carolina, he was 75.

Skiddy is survived by his life partner and best friend, Paula Draper of Conway, SC, his son Dylan Skidmore and (Sarah Skidmore) of Hampstead, NC.; his daughter Celena Skidmore and (Josh Morrison) of Charleston, SC; Scott Draper and (Paige Draper) of Tucson, AZ, and his "granddaughters" Hannah and Lindsay Draper, of Tucson AZ.

Born in Winchester, Massachusetts on June 16, 1948, to the late Thomas and Maybelle (Gaw) Skidmore and his stepfather, Donald Funk.

He was blessed to have three children, Dylan, Jarrod, and Celena with his former wife Maryellen Nicholson. He was predeceased by his brother, Thomas Skidmore, and his son, Jarrod Skidmore.

A successful entrepreneur, Skiddy created, built, and owned many businesses over the years. But he will be remembered most for Skiddy's Sports Bar and Restaurant in the Arts & Crafts Community of Gatlinburg, Tennessee. Here he was in his element. His wicked sense of humor left his audiences laughing and contributed to his unique talent for making up stories on the spot, a trait he passed on to his sons.

He was a self-proclaimed connoisseur – a total foodie! Whenever he found something he loved, you'd hear him exclaim "Abbondanza!"  Skiddy was an avid fan of all sports, especially football, baseball (especially the Red Socks), and NASCAR, but to be honest he enjoyed betting on them more.

He had a love for music, not only was he a huge fan of the Grateful Dead, but he was on tour with them for many years. When Dylan and Jarrod were young, Skiddy donated time as a Boy Scout Leader and coached his sons' little league baseball team, leading the Cubs to victory in the 1989 playoffs.

Skiddy was a proud Veteran of the US Army having served in Vietnam. He was a community leader, confidante, and friend, and became family to nearly everyone he met. Never to pass up an opportunity or a call to service, he was ultimately elected the Exalted Ruler of the Elks Lodge in Gatlinburg in 2009, referring humorously to himself as the "Exhausted Rooster".

He was also passionate about golf, the devil's game he called it, playing it often and yet never mastering it. After semi-retiring in 2015, Skiddy made the move to be with his partner Paula Draper in Tucson, ostensibly to dedicate more time to his golf game. But the best part of his Arizona life was being a Grandfather to Paula's granddaughters Hannah and Lindsay. After a few summers in the desert heat, Skiddy and Paula relocated back to Conway, SC to settle down closer to his children.

Guiding him through life, Skiddy's favorite poem and inspiration was "The Dash," written by Linda Ellis. Its poignant message demonstrates that the day you are born, and the day you die are not as important as what you do with your life between those two dates:  So, to Skiddy 06/16/1948 --- 05/27/2024! He lived his DASH to its fullest.

He will be missed, but more importantly, he will be remembered and celebrated!

A Celebration of Life will be held September 8, 2024 at 3:00 pm until 6:00 pm at Crystelle Creek, 1654 East Parkway, Gatlinburg, Tennessee 37738.

THE DASH:

https://mindheartmatters.wordpress.com/2020/03/01/the-dash/

Please sign a guestbook at watsonfuneralservices.com. and share your memories.

Watson Funeral Services and Crematory, 2300 Hwy 378, Conway, SC is serving the family.