Adam Frederick Skipper, 48, of Chattanooga, Tennessee, passed away of pancreatic cancer on September 10, 2019, at home.
He was born Nov. 13, 1970, in Memphis to Norman Frederick Skipper and Brenda Ann Blackburn Skipper. Adam attended University of Tennessee at Chattanooga where he received a BA in Psychology. He worked in the family antiques and estate sale business.
Adam was an active member of the tabletop roleplaying game and science fiction/fantasy convention communities. He also enjoyed hiking, traveling, and history. Adam was highly devoted to his family, dedicating years of his life to serving as a caretaker for his grandfather Warren “Blackie” Blackburn and his mother, Brenda, a breast cancer survivor who was also diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and later died of the disease. After his diagnosis, Adam became a tireless patient advocate for pancreatic cancer. This included sharing genetic testing results, taking part in the PROMPT study, contributing to a blog, sharing his story with researchers and non-profit organizations, and taking part in the first local (DC area) Pancreatic Cancer Walk to raise more than one million dollars.
He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Norman Edward Skipper, Annie Margret Skipper, Warren “Blackie” Blackburn, his mother Brenda Ann Blackburn Skipper, and beloved cousin Cristy Skipper Emison.
Survivors include his wife of eight years, Leona “Lee” Holland; father, Norman “Skip” Skipper; brother Matthew Micha Skail (nee Skipper) and wife Shelley Skail (nee Small), niece Morrigan Skail, father-in-law Larry Holland, brother-in-law Matthew Holland, and Houdini, Moon Knight, and Freya, his loving feline companions.
A memorial service to celebrate Adam’s life will be conducted on Friday, Sept. 13, at 11:30 a.m. at Chattanooga Funeral Home with Reverend Sophia Hardin officiating and Duane Cole and Terry Ford rendering the eulogy. The family will receive friends on Thursday, Sept. 12, from 4-8 p.m. as well as following the service.
The family has requested that in lieu of flowers, please direct memorials to Food & Friends (https://foodandfriends.org/donate/) or Freedom Sings, USA in memory of Adam.
Chattanooga Funeral Home, 5401 Highway 153, Hixson, Tn. 37343 is in charge of these arrangements. For additional information, please call the funeral home at 423 698-2541 or visit the website at www.chattanooganorthchapel.com.