Attended by family, William Herman Skinner died peacefully in the early hours of May 18, 2012, at the University of Mississippi Medical Center. He was 83.

He was an upright and honest man of quiet, kindly and thoughtful disposition. He was devoted to his family and their well-being. He was skilled at auto mechanics and carpentry.

Mr. Skinner was born in Ruleville, Miss., in 1929, the second of five children of Nellie Grey McClain Skinner and William Hiram Skinner. He was a member of Trinity Baptist Church.

Mr. Skinner is survived by his wife of 59 years, Shirley Ann Skinner; three children, Carolyn Skinner and Jane Skinner, both of Vicksburg, and Mona Kossler and husband Ian of Mojave, Calif.: and one sister, Mary Nell Lofton of Cleveland, Miss.

In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by three brothers, Renford Hollis Skinner, Raymond Edward Skinner and Elmer Lowry Skinner.

He served in the National Guard and the 31st Infantry Division of the U.S. Army (Dixie Division) ending his service as a Master Sergeant. Mr. Skinner worked 32 years for the Illinois Central Railroad/Kansas City Southern Railway. At the time of his retirement, he was conductor for the Kansas City Southern Railway.

On May 21 at 10 a.m., services will be performed by Rev. Ron Burch, Pastor of Trinity Baptist Church, at Riles Funeral Home. Burial will follow at Greenlawn Gardens Cemetery with full military honors. Visitation will be Sunday from 2 p.m. until 4 p.m., and Monday from 9 a.m. until the service.

Pallbearers will be Troy Melvin Skinner, William Hollis “Bubba” Skinner, Bob Hollowell, Johnny Dantzler, Frank Norwood, Jimmy Veazy and Ricky Stone.

The family of Mr. Skinner wishes to thank the many who have cared for him, Dr. Daniel Edney, Dr. Murray Whitaker, and members of Trinity Baptist Church. The kindness and prayers of all have been of great comfort to the family.

Memorials can be made to Trinity Baptist Church, 3365 Porters Chapel Road, Vicksburg, MS 39180.