Rev. William "Billy" Skaggs

**The Story of a Real-Life Hero: William Paul Skaggs**

On a hot and dusty day in Tularosa, New Mexico, William Paul Skaggs was born on June 30, 1953 to Claude and Doris (Noon) Skaggs. His parents had met and fallen in love during World War II in England, where Claude was stationed with the U.S. Army. Soon after, Doris bravely crossed the Atlantic aboard the Queen Mary, passing through Ellis Island to marry Claude in the United States. Together, they had five children: William, David, Susie, Ann, and Jackie (who died at a young age). 

Billy grew up in a small, modest home. Tragically, William “Billy” and his siblings lost both parents by the time Billy was just 10 years old. The children were placed in the New Mexico Baptist Children’s Home in Portales, where they lived in separate cottages for the next four years. It was during this time that the “fight” in Billy began. The Thetford family, who knew the Skaggs children, invited them to spend holidays with them, and later in life, Billy would return to their farm to work and live. It was there that he would also be introduced to Jesus. 

In 9th grade, Billy and his siblings moved back to Tularosa to live with his aunt and uncle, where he graduated from high school in 1971. At the age of 21, Billy returned to the Thetfords' home and attended a community revival in Dora, New Mexico, where he trusted Jesus Christ as his personal Savior. During this season, Billy enrolled at Eastern New Mexico University and graduated with a degree in Wildlife Management, which led to a job with the New Mexico Game and Fish Department. 

However, the biggest "catch" of Billy’s life came when he met and married Cynthia Ann Truelock. Billy and Cindy were married on August 29, 1975, in Dora, after meeting at Pat’s Twin Cronnie, the local hangout in their small town. It was said to have been love at first sight. 

Billy continued to work as a game warden in Deming, New Mexico, during the late 1970s. Soon after their marriage, Billy and Cindy experienced the heartbreaking stillbirth of their first child, Bethany Ann. Despite this incredible loss, it was the catalyst that led the young couple to fully surrender their lives to the Lord’s service. Their faith deepened, and not long after, Billy and Cindy welcomed their daughter, Ashley Tyann, into the world in October of 1979, in Clovis, New Mexico. 

Billy then attended Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth, Texas, where he earned a Master’s Degree in Religious Education with a focus on youth ministry. Equipped with a passion for young people and a heart for Jesus, Billy returned to New Mexico, where he served as the youth minister and senior citizen pastor at Sandia Baptist Church in Clovis. He loved whatever role he was given in the church, as long as it involved teaching the Word and sharing Jesus with others. 

In July 1983, Billy and Cindy welcomed their son, Aaron Taylor. Billy’s ministry journey continued across multiple states. For an incredible 25 years, as God sustained Billy and his health through his first kidney transplant, Billy served as a youth pastor at Bell Avenue Baptist Church in Amarillo, Texas; First Baptist Church in Allen, Texas; and Eastside Baptist Church in Marietta, Georgia. During his time in Texas, Billy and Cindy made the decision to welcome a young girl in need of a home. In 1989, Diane became part of the Skaggs family, just as Billy had been embraced years earlier.

Billy later co-pastored a new church plant, Cobb Community Church, in Marietta, and served as college and young adult minister at Fellowship Bible Church in Roswell, Georgia and Johnson’s Ferry Baptist Church in Marietta. He also served as associate pastor at Paper Mill Road Baptist Church, where he had the privilege of leading the congregation when the pastor became ill. It was during this time that Billy discovered a deep love for preaching the Word and shepherding the flock. 

In 2010, Billy and Cindy were called to Luverne, Minnesota, to help plant Living Rock Church, where they faithfully served the community for 12 years. During this time, Billy experienced another medical miracle when a member of their church donated a kidney, saving his life. However, due to declining health, Billy retired in June 2022 and moved to Sioux Falls, South Dakota.

Billy fought a courageous battle with cancer and kidney failure for over three years. He never complained, and he shared the good news of Jesus at every doctor's visit and hospital stay. His life was marked by one medical miracle after another, each one deepening his faith in the truth he had preached for so many years. After a 24-day battle in the ICU, Billy passed away peacefully at Avera McKennan Hospital in Sioux Falls, on Monday, November 11, 2024, at the age of 71 years, 4 months, and 13 days. 

Billy’s life touched countless people. He had a special way of drawing others to Jesus with his love, humor, and compassion. Billy was the life of the party—his teasing was a sign of his deep affection, and he loved being with people. Outside of ministry, Billy enjoyed fishing, hunting, and golfing. But above all, his greatest joy came from spending time with his family. His most treasured legacy is knowing that all of his children and grandchildren follow Jesus. He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, pastor, and friend, and his absence will be felt beyond words. 

Billy is survived by his wife, Cindy Skaggs of Sioux Falls; children, Diane (Tim) McDaniel of Marietta, Ashley (Jared) Dupert of Sioux Falls, and Aaron (Rachel) Skaggs of Colorado Springs, Colorado; 10 grandchildren, Brock (Regan) McDaniel, Bo McDaniel, Brennan McDaniel, Riley Dupert, Peyton Dupert, Braylin Dupert, Charley Dupert, William Skaggs, Landon Skaggs, and Eden Skaggs; and siblings, Ann Freeman of Silver City, New Mexico, David (Jeannie) Skaggs of Macon, Missouri, and Susie (Jeff) Hutchins of Silver City. He was preceded in death by his parents, Claude and Doris Skaggs; brother, Jackie Skaggs; and daughter, Bethany Ann Skaggs.