HAMPSTEAD - Thomas Houston Skipper, Jr., 89, of Hampstead, died Thursday, Feb. 24, 2011 at Lower Cape Fear Hospice and LifeCare Center.

He was born on Oct. 7, 1921, in Wilmington, the son of the late Thomas Houston Skipper, Sr. and Hazel Zellers Skipper. He was preceded in death by two previous wives, Jean Hall Skipper and Alease Cottle Skipper and a sister, Helon S. Robinson.

Mr. Skipper proudly served his country in the U.S. Navy during World War II, serving in the Pacific on the USS Colbert and USS Blue Ridge. He was able to be on the first Honor Flight out of Wilmington in 2010. He was a member of Trinity United Methodist Church, the Elks Lodge #532, Wilmington, the American Legion, Post 10, the VFW of Holly Ridge, and the N.C. Real Estate Commission.

Mr. Skipper was a commercial real estate agent for over thirty years in New Hanover County. He was an avid fisherman who loved the water and was past president of the New Hanover Fishing Club.

Surviving is his wife, Shelby Baker Skipper of 22 years; son, Thomas M. Skipper and wife Pat of Scotts Hill; two granddaughters, Cynthia K. Skipper of Durham, and Jennifer M. Dollman and husband Sean of Doha, Qatar; two great grandchildren, Ryan Thomas Dollman and Andrew Terence Dollman; four stepchildren, Yvonne Pharr (Neal) and family of Wilmington, Frederick L. Baker, Jr. (Annabelle) of Blount's Creek, Donna B. Grady (Bill) and family, Curtiss L. Baker (Connie) and family, all of Kinston; and a nephew, David A. Robinson (Diane) and family of Burlington.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 am Monday, Feb. 28, at Andrews Mortuary Hampstead Chapel by Rev. Michael Davis, minister at Trinity UMC. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at Andrews Hampstead Chapel.

Memorials may be made to Southeastern N.C. Honor Flight, PO Box 4563, Wilmington, NC or Lower Cape Fear Hospice, 1406 Physicians Drive, Wilmington, N.C. 28401.

Condolences may be sent to andrewsmortuary.com. Sign the guest book at Kinston.com. (Paid)