Russell Lee Skinner, DVM, 66, of Mt. Sterling, died Friday, Aug. 28, 2026, at the University of Kentucky Albert Chandler Hospital, after a brave six month battle with brain cancer.
Born June 12, 1960, in Lexington, he was the son of the late Russell Virgil and Jean Razor Skinner. He was a veterinarian who cherished serving the people and pets of Mt. Sterling and surrounding communities. He joined his father’s veterinary practice, Mt. Sterling Veterinary Hospital, in 1986. He was a member of First Christian Church for his entire life, where he proudly served as a deacon and elder. He was a 1982 graduate of the University of Kentucky and 1986 graduate of the Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine. He had a love of travel, especially Paris and Punta Cana, food, and more than anything, spending time with his family and dogs.
Survivors include his wife of almost forty years, Dixie Birchfield Skinner; two daughters, Anna Claire (Jordan) Gentry and Mary Ellen Skinner; brother-in-law; niece and nephew; and numerous beloved cousins.
Service was conducted Tuesday, Sept. 1, at the First Christian Church with Rev. Michelle Ballard officiating.
In lieu of flowers donations are suggested to the Montgomery County Animal Shelter, 115 Adena Dr., Mt. Sterling, Ky., 40353, where he had two adorable granddogs adopted from or the First Christian Church, 209 West Locust St. (mailing), Mt. Sterling, Ky., 40353.
The Michael R. Gray Funeral Home cared for all the arrangements.
To view the online memorial and sign the guest book, please visit www.mrgfh.com.
