The Meck Report: Vanderbilt Coaching Legend Roy Skinner Passes Away Suddenly

Austin Fox, Coach Roy Skinner, Kayla Jo, 'Tootsie' Skinner, Steven Fox

Chris Skinner Fox with her Dad, Roy Skinner - Vandy Hall Of Fame Induction - Sept 2009
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Posted by The Meck - Oct 26, 2010 - 8:06a
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I got the sad news last nite from my friend, Chris Skinner Fox, her Dad, Roy Skinner,
had suddenly passed away.
After a week stay in the hospital in Nashville, he was scheduled to be released this morning.
He was even planning on going to Panama City Beach for his annual visit and several months of relaxation.

Roy Skinner was a kind man. A gentle giant.
I had the privilege to meet him and visit with him on several occasions.
Coach Skinner was quiet and very humble. He was very proud of his daughter, Chris, and
his grandkids from Dothan, Al. - Austin Roy, Kayla Jo, and Steven Fox. He was like a father to them.

Roy Skinner is the winningest basketball coach in Vanderbilt history. [278 wins, a 63.3% winning pct.]
In 1966, He had the courage to recruit and sign the first black in SEC Sports, Perry Wallace.
No doubt, a bold statement by Coach Skinner to a segregated South.
His forward thinking and execution of equality and acceptance in the 60's  [regardless of the consequences] makes Coach Roy Skinner a Hall of Fame example, then and now, to all of society.
Especially Vanderbilt and The South.

He won 2 SEC Titles at Vanderbilt, and 4 Times he was named SEC Coach of the year in 16
seasons as Vandy coach. [ 1959, 1961 - 76].
In 2009, Coach Skinner was elected into the Vanderbilt Hall of Fame.
He was revered and loved by his players to this day, at age 80.

There will never be another gentle giant like Coach Roy Skinner. On or off the court.

Here's this morning's headlines in Nashville - The Tennessean.
VANDERBILT COMMODORES LEGEND ROY SKINNER DIES
http://www.tennessean.com/article/20101026/SPORTS0602/10260346/2196/SPORTS

Posted by The Meck
related : Remembering Roy Skinner - Bill Traughber
Roy Skinner's VU Accomplishments

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