Paul Anthony Skelly, 71, passed away peacefully on May 18, 2022, at his home in Chattanooga. He was born June 10, 1950, in Baton Rouge, La.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Lawrence and Carole Skelly; his sister, Cathleen Skelly; brothers, Michael Skelly, Joseph Skelly and Sean Skelly; and nephew, M. Allan Lutes II.
He is survived by his daughters, Angela Miniard (Brian), Lisa Johnson (Derek) and Shannon Skelly; grandchildren, Ashley, Merrick and Lachlan; brothers, Lawrence Skelly II and Keivin Skelly (Melody); sisters, Patricia Lutes, Denise Wilson (Terry), Theresa Kazanowski (David), Joanie Robinson and Mary Jackson (John); 29 nieces and nephews; and many great-nieces and great-nephews.
Paul graduated from Brainerd High School, class of 1969. He was an Eagle Scout and a key member of Coach Pete Potter’s dominant boxing team, winning three Golden Gloves Championship Awards. In Miami, Paul qualified and competed in the 1976 Olympic boxing trials. He was also a volunteer boxing coach for the Chattanooga Boys Club youth program. Paul resided in South Florida for over 30 years working in commercial and residential irrigation and landscaping. He was an avid Miami Dolphins and Miami Hurricanes football fan. He never met an animal he didn’t love and was particularly fond of exotic birds.
A celebration of Paul’s life will be held on Saturday, May 28 from noon-3 p.m. in the Parish Life Center at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church in Chattanooga.
You are encouraged to share a memory of Paul and/or your personal condolences with his family and friends by visiting his memorial webpage and guestbook at www.companionfunerals.com.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Opie Acres Wildlife Rehabilitation and Rescue (opievolunteer@gmail.com) in memory of Paul Anthony Skelly to honor his love of animals.