Barry Jay Skeens, 65, of Statesville, N.C., died Friday, June 21, 2024, at Iredell Memorial Hospital following a brief illness.

He was born in Pearisburg, Va., to the late Blaine Skeens and Anna Lou Spangler Skeens.

Barry retired as a Senior Chief Petty Officer with the U.S. Navy after 20 years in service to his country. He later worked for Lowe’s Home Improvement. Barry loved to plant a garden and tend it. He was an avid sports fan; his favorites were the Dallas Cowboys, Chicago Cubs and Virginia Tech. More than anything, he loved spending time and playing with his grandchildren.

Those left to cherish his memory include his wife of 20 years, Mary Lou DiPinto Skeens; a son, James Trew (Melissa); a daughter, Cathryn Salter (Michael); a brother, Brent Skeens (Michelle); a sister Connie Alston (Jim); five grandchildren, Jemma, Everett, Paige, Jack, and James; three nephews, James, Zach, and Jake; and his Navy friends.

Services will be held at a later date in Virginia.

Nicholson Funeral Home is honored to serve the Skeens family.