Robert Houston "Hoot" Skelton passed away at Piedmont Hospital in Atlanta, Georgia on August 27, 2023. He was born on September 23, 1937 in Scottsboro, Alabama to Robert E. and Lucille Cowley Skelton. Hoot was a member of St. Luke's Episcopal Church in Blue Ridge where he served in many capacities and as Senior Warden on the Vestry.

He was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers, David E. Skelton and Ronny L. Skelton.

He is survived by: his wife Gwen Skelton, two sons Michael (LuAnn) Holden and Rick (Susie) Skelton, and one daughter Belinda Skelton. He is also survived by his seven grandchildren: Matthew (Maggie) Holden, Mark (Ashley) Holden, Carlyle Skelton, Addison Skelton, Brooks Skelton, William Meyer, and Andrew Meyer. He has three great-grandchildren surviving: Michael Holden, Mason Holden, and Maddie Holden.

Robert graduated from Jackson County High School in Scottsboro, Alabama, where he captained the football team and served as a leader of a number of school organizations, including class president. He attended the University of Alabama and graduated from the Auburn University School of Pharmacy in 1962 and married Gwen Holden, also a pharmacist.

Very soon he moved to the Copper Basin and became a partner with his brother-in-law, Roy Kovsky, running McCaysville Pharmacy. Later, he and his wife became owners and operators of this pharmacy for many years. They later built and operated two other businesses, Family Drug and Family Care, providing health care and equipment to the area.

Hoot, as he was known, became a legend in Fannin/Tri-State area through his participation and leadership in community projects, events, and organizations. He started his civic mindfulness early in life becoming the youngest Eagle Scout and Order of the Arrow recipient in Alabama at age 15. He was president of the Junior Chamber of Commerce and a Kiwanis Club member for 47 years, serving as president and receiving numerous awards. He was co-founder of the local Chamber of Commerce and served on the Board of Directors for 16 years and was honored as the first recipient of the Chamber's LifeTime Achievement Award. He was leader in several capacities in the building of Fannin Regional Hospital and served as Chairman of its Board of Directors. He has served on the State Boards of several pharmacy and health organizations, receiving the Board of Hygiene award from the State of Georgia for his pharmacy and civic work. Additionally, he received Merchant of the Year in Fannin County for his service to the county. He was a true community servant in his time and will be remembered by his many friends and organizations.

In his retirement he loved traveling the U.S and Canada and had an immense passion for American history. He has read hundreds of history books, remembering events and dates and happily relaying them to those interested with a twinkle in his eye.

By choice, he would have become a history professor, but he stated that he had no regrets in his life's work and accomplishments. He was known by all his family and friends as a master storyteller.

Wednesday, August 30th, there will be a visitation held at Akins-Cobb Funerals & Cremations of Blue Ridge from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 pm.

The memorial service and interment will be on Thursday, August 31st, at St. Luke's Episcopal Church in Blue Ridge, Georgia, with Rev. Victor Morgan officiating. Family and friends will meet at 11:00 am at St. Luke's with his ashes inturned in the Memorial Gardens.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to St. Luke's Episcopal Church at P.O. Box 1821, Blue Ridge, GA 30513.

Akins-Cobb Funerals & Cremations of Blue Ridge, Georgia is in charge of arrangements.