Larry Edwin Skelton

Larry Edwin “Eddie” Skelton

December 21, 1944-May 18, 2026

Larry E. “Eddie” Skelton, age 81, of New Middleton, TN and Rome Community native, departed this life with his family present at the family’s Korman Lane home on Monday morning May 18. 2026.

Eddie was born December 21, 1944 at the former McFarland Hospital in Lebanon, TN. He was united in marriage to the former Janet Marie Hartsell at New Middleton Baptist Church on January 17, 1987. The ceremony was performed by then pastor, Bro. Gary Akins.

Eddie was known for his keen sense of humor and quick wit, loved a good joke and always had a story to tell. He loved fishing, woodworking, traveling, painting and good food.

Eddie was a talented artist who could paint or draw anything. His family treasures the beautiful collection of artworks he created over the years. He leaves behind a legacy of hard work, laughter and love that will never be forgotten.

He was a member of the New Middleton Baptist Church. He graduated from Smith County High School in 1963, majoring in Science and Business Education. He was a member of the art club and served as President his senior year. Eddie was a member of the school newspaper staff the “Black and Gold” and designed the logo and many other drawings for the paper.

Eddie was employed at Ross Gear in Lebanon, then AVCO Aerostructures in Nashville and finally General Mills/Pillsbury in Murfreesboro, retiring in 2009. He took pride in providing for his family and was well respected and loved by his co-workers.

He was preceded in death by his parents, James William “J.W. Skelton, August 4, 1994, age 76; Elizabeth Johnson Dickerson Skelton, September 12, 2010, age 88; brothers Mike September 18, 2023; and Randy Skelton, June 12, 2018, age 62; first wife, Betty Lee Lehew Skelton, September 6, 1983, age 36; and daughter, Tracy Laura Skelton, September 14,1983, age 13.

Surviving in addition to his wife Janet of over 39 years are his daughters, Dawn Skelton Santana (Todd) of the Rome Community, Michelle Skelton Gregory (Josh) of the New Middleton Community; seven grandchildren, Jordan Norman (Jennifer), of the Cottontown Community in Sumner County, Blake Norman (Samantha) of the Rome Community, Harry Brooks (Kim) of the Pleasant Shade Community, Trinity Cook (Matthew) of Atlantic City, Florida, Tyler Bivens (Joelle) of Gordonsville, Angel and Travis Gregory of the New Middleton Community; four great-grandchildren, Carter, Elizabeth and Levi Norman and Cayden Brooks.

The Skelton Family will have a memorial service at the Korman Lane home on Saturday, June 6th at 5:00 pm with his pastor, Bro. B.J. Thomason officiating. Family will receive friends at 4:00 pm prior to the service.