Rees Skillern
Owner Of Dixie Souvenirs Company; Son Of Commissioner Fred Skillern posted January 26, 2012

Rees Skillern, a local businessman, passed away Tuesday, January 24, 2012, at a local hospital after a lengthy illness.

Mr. Skillern, 49, was the owner of the Dixie Souvenirs Company, an investor in other local business and a lifelong resident of Soddy Daisy. He was a graduate of Soddy Daisy High School where he participated in football. He was the son of County Commissioner Fred Skillern.

After graduation, he began his college education at the University of the South in Sewanee, but withdrew early to join the family business. Approximately 15 years ago, he assumed the ownership of Dixie Souvenirs and made many buying trips to manufactures in the Far East for supplies for souvenir customers throughout the Southeastern States.

An avid reader, Mr. Skillern’s favorite topics were History and the Holy Bible. He was an active member of the First Presbyterian Church of Soddy Daisy, where he served as a member of its session.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents, William R. and Elizabeth Skillern, of Soddy Daisy, and Will and Ruth Stroud, of Chattanooga, and an uncle, Mike Stroud, of Chattanooga.

He is survived by his parents, Fred Rees and Bettye Stroud Skillern, of Soddy Daisy, and an aunt, Bobbie Ellen (Miles) Springfield, of Fayetteville, Tn., and several cousins.

Services will be at 2 p.m. on Friday, January 27, at the First Presbyterian Church of Soddy Daisy, 10612 Dayton Pike, Soddy Daisy, Tn. 37379, with Father Mike Creson and Bishop Mitch McClure officiating. Burial will follow in Presbyterian Cemetery.

Visitation is Thursday at Williamson & Sons Funeral Home from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, please make memorial donations to: Soddy Presbyterian Cemetery Association, P.O. Box 894, Soddy Daisy, Tn. 37384.

Condolences and memories may be shared at www.williamsonandsons.com.

Arrangements are by Williamson & Sons Funeral Home, 8852 Dayton Pike, Soddy Daisy, Tn. 37379.