Billy Joe (B.J.) Skipper

B.J. Skipper, 73, passed away Monday, March 11, 2024. He was born July 20, 1950, in Waxahachie to Miles C. and Inez Skipper. B.J. graduated from Waxahachie High School in 1968 and attended Hill Junior College.

After working for several years at Kerr Glass, he decided to change careers. B.J. had a passion for helping others and he had the ability to remain calm in stressful situations so becoming a Paramedic/ EMT was a perfect fit. He served as a paramedic in Waxahachie, Midlothian, and Waco. He later worked at Tyler Refrigeration and Auto Zone before retiring.

B.J. loved life and brought a smile to everyone he was around. He loved to sing Karaoke, go camping, ride motorcycles, and most of all, fishing. He loved living on Lake Mexia, so he could fish anytime he wanted. B.J. loved his family and friends, and he was deeply loved by them.

Every Christmas, he took pride in baking an Orange Slice Cake, a recipe that had been made by the Skippers for close to 100 years.

B.J. enjoyed attending his Class of 1968 reunions. He had a special bond with his classmates and always had a great time visiting with them.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Miles C. and Inez Skipper. His grandmother, Cassie Jelean Beasley and grandparents, Chester and Connie Skipper.

B.J. is survived by his wife, Wanda, of Mexia; his daughter Leah Williams and husband, Fred; granddaughter, Hannah Garis and husband, Michael; great-granddaughter, Sandra, of Waco; two stepsons and six step grandchildren; his brothers, Miles R. Skipper and wife, Marsha, of West, and Doyle G. Skipper, and wife, Janet, of Waxahachie and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Memorial services will be held 1 p.m., Saturday, March 16, in the Corley Porter Funeral Home Chapel in Mexia. Inurment will be held at a later date in Waxahachie Cemetery.