Paul John Skipper's Obituary
A Florida native and proud lifelong resident of Pinellas County, Paul J. Skipper was born on November 23, 1946, and went to be with his Savior on May 16, 2026.
Paul was a real estate developer and builder with a rare vision for possibility. He could look at a piece of property and imagine what it might become — a family home, commercial building, condominium complex, or apartment community — and then bring that vision to life.
Throughout his life, Paul was deeply committed to serving his community. He served on the Board of the Bank of St. Petersburg, became a director of Anchor Savings Bank, and was a founding member and director of Cornerstone Community Bank, where he ultimately served as Chairman of the Board until the bank was sold to Republic Bank.
Paul was also active in the building and development community. He served as Chairman of the Pinellas County Construction Licensing Board, as well as the Pinellas County Board of Adjustment and Appeals. He was a founding member and President of the Contractors and Builders Association of Pinellas County, as well as a member and former director of both the Florida Home Builders Association and the National Home Builders Association. His civic service also included roles as Past Chairman of the City of Pinellas Park Economic Redevelopment Board, Chairman of the City of St. Pete Beach Board of Adjustment, and board member of the Friends of the Gulf Beaches Historical Museum.
In addition to his professional and civic work, Paul had a heart for mentoring young athletes. He coached the St. Pete Beach Bombers basketball team, leading them to become AAU State Champions and Cage National Champions.
In recent years, one of Paul’s greatest joys was his beloved farm and cattle in Gulf Hammock. He cherished rural life and loved caring for his animals, including donkeys, cats, koi, chickens, and his beloved dog, Dixie — a rescue he found along the road and nursed back to health. His love for animals had deep roots in his family’s background as dairy farmers in St. Petersburg.
A 28-year Bull Gator, Paul was an avid University of Florida football and basketball fan. He loved college sports of all kinds and often said, “There is nothing better than to be in North Florida during the fall.”
Through all of his accomplishments, Paul remained a man of deep and unwavering faith. His favorite Bible verse was Ephesians 2:8-9:
“For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.”
This verse reflected the way Paul lived each day — with humility, gratitude, faith, and a sincere desire that others would come to know the Lord.
Paul was a mentor to many and will be deeply missed by all who knew him. His legacy will live on through his children and grandchildren. He is survived by his sons, Scott P. Skipper, Paul J. Skipper, Jr. “PJ,” and Lance H. Skipper; and grandsons, Cole Skipper and Hayden Skipper. He was predeceased by his wife, Lynn L. Skipper; his father, Hunter P. Skipper; and his mother and stepfather, Jean and Ben Goetzinger.
Funeral Services will be begin at 11:00 am, Saturday, May 30, at Northside Baptist Church
In lieu of flowers the family requests donations to Dogs, Inc., 4210 - 77 Street E, Palmetto, Florida 34221 (https://dogsinc.org) or Key Training Center, 5399 W Gulf to Lake Hwy, Lecanto FL 34461 (https://keytrainingcenter.org).
Arrangements by Memorial Park Funeral Home.
What’s your fondest memory of Paul?
What’s a lesson you learned from Paul?
Share a story where Paul's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Paul you’ll never forget.
How did Paul make you smile?
