Roland Skaggs

Reverend Roland Travis Skaggs (Ronnie), 86 of Abilene, Texas died Thursday, August 7, 2008 at Hendrick Hospice. He was the youngest of 7 children born to Samuel Martin and Leona Jane Skaggs in Paris, TX November 26, 1921. Funeral services, with Dr. Larry McGraw and Rev. Palmer McCown officiating, will be at 2:30 pm on Sunday August 10, 2008 in the chapel at The Hamil Family Funeral Home at 6449 Buffalo Gap Road. Burial will follow at Potosi Cemetery. Visitation will be from 6:00 to 8:00 pm Saturday evening at the funeral home. He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Ruth Antilley Skaggs, daughters Rita Franssen and husband Richard of Fredericksburg, Texas and Connie Powell of Dallas, Texas. Three grandchildren; Ron David Franssen and wife Stephanie of Wichita, Kansas, Tami Chaney and husband Paul, of Jupiter Farms, Florida, and Ginger Powell of New York. Great-grandchildren include Nicholas and Tyler Franssen and Ryan and Sarah Chaney. Ronnie received his B.S. degree from Hardin Simmons University in Abilene and his Masters Degree from Southwestern Theological Seminary in Fort Worth, Texas. He received his Doctor of Divinity in 1987. During his 50 years in the ministry, he held many positions in Associational work, and served as Chaplain in many fire, sheriff, and police departments. After more than 25 years of service with the Texas State Guard, he retired with the rank of Colonel. During WWII he was a member of Patton's 3rd Army and fought in the Battle of the Bulge. He was wounded while on a secret mission near Bastone, Belgium. During his time in Europe, he served in Germany, France, England, Belgium, Italy, Switzerland, Luxemburg, Monaco, and Scotland. After the war ended he was commander of a POW camp at Rheams, France. He was ordained at Elmdale Baptist Church in 1951 and pastored Southern Baptist Churches throughout Texas until his retirement. He preached crusades in Cordoba, Spain and London, England under the auspices of the World Evangelism Foundation. He was active with the River Ministry in Mexico and set up medical and dental clinics along the Rio Grande. He was active in many volunteer organizations including the American Red Cross and RSVP. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Hendrick Hospice Care, 1682 Hickory Street, Abilene, Texas 79601.