Ronny Skinner

Ronny Lynn Skinner, 75, of Clifton, Texas, went to be with the Lord on August 1, 2026.

Ronny was born on March 7, 1951, in Carlsbad, New Mexico, to Mildred Lucile and Donald Eugene Skinner. From an early age, Ron developed a deep and lifelong love for the outdoors, sharing many of his earliest adventures with his brothers, Richard, Gary, and Jimmy.

Whether he was tracking a trail, fishing a quiet stretch of water, setting up camp beneath the stars, calling predators, or simply enjoying the wild places he loved, Ron was happiest outdoors. The wilderness was not just a place he visited—it was where he felt most at home.

Ron grew up in Carlsbad and graduated from Carlsbad High School in 1969. Throughout his life, he followed his passions and built a life and career around the things he loved. In his younger years, Ron enjoyed riding bulls and the thrill of the rodeo. Over the years, he wore many hats and lived the kind of life that provided him with no shortage of stories to tell. He worked as a welder and even spent time as a blackjack dealer in Las Vegas before pursuing careers that allowed him to put his remarkable knowledge of animals and the outdoors to use.

Ron worked as a hunting guide and houndsman, a government trapper for the State of Texas, a private investigator and K9 handler, a wildlife damage control specialist, and a taxidermist. His knowledge of hunting, wildlife, predator calling, tracking, and animal behavior was extensive, and he was always willing to share what he knew with others.

Taxidermy became one of the great passions of Ron’s life. What began at an early age grew into more than 45 years of dedication to the craft. He took tremendous pride in his work and perhaps even greater pride in sharing his knowledge with others. Teaching, helping, and passing along what he had learned came naturally to Ron. Even in his final days, he continued to enjoy taxidermy and remained eager to share his knowledge and experience with those around him.

But those who truly knew Ron knew there was much more to him than his work and his love of the outdoors.

He enjoyed a good night of two-stepping to his favorite music and could always appreciate a great plate of Mexican food. He loved good company, good conversation, and telling a good story—and Ron had plenty of stories to tell. His adventures and experiences could keep people listening long after they thought they had heard them all.

In his later years, Ron grew closer to the Lord and his faith became an increasingly important part of his life. Above all else, he treasured the time he spent with his family and friends.

Ron lived a life filled with adventure, determination, hard work, and a deep appreciation for God's creation. He had a way of leaving an impression on the people he met. His stories, humor, knowledge of hunting and predator calling, passion for taxidermy, and love of the outdoors will live on through the family, friends, hunters, outdoorsmen, and countless others who had the privilege of knowing and learning from him.

Ron is survived by the love of his life; his beloved son, Seth Skinner of Valley Mills, Texas, and Seth’s wife, Robin Skinner; his three grandchildren, Jaxson, Bridger, and Hayley; his daughters, Kayla Harmon and family of Combine, Texas, and Raichel Lynn Jaramillo; his brother, Gary Skinner and family of San Antonio, Texas; and many other loving family members and dear friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Mildred Lucile Loftis and Donald Eugene Skinner, and his brothers, Richard Skinner and Jimmy Skinner.

A Celebration of Ronny’s Life will be held on Saturday, September 19, 2026, from 1:00 to 5:00 p.m. at Valley Mills Civic Center located at 101 W. Avenue E, Valley Mills, Texas 76689 (City Hall / Civic Center / The Old Nursing Home).

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you honor Ron’s memory in a way he would have appreciated most: spend some time outdoors with a child. Take them hunting. Take them fishing. Teach them something about wildlife. Show them something you know. Or simply take them outside and make a memory.

Because in the end, those memories—and the knowledge we pass on to the next generation—are some of the greatest legacies we leave behind.