Willie Skilling Obituary

Willie Masayuki Skilling, age 57, of Hubbard, Texas, passed away peacefully on Monday, June 23, 2025.
Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, June 28, at First Baptist Church of Hubbard, with interment to follow at Fairview Cemetery in Hubbard. Visitation will begin at 1:00 p.m. prior to the service at the church.
Willie was born on December 28, 1967, in Lelu, Kosrae, Micronesia, to the late Masayuki A. Skilling and Shrue M. Skilling. He spent his childhood in Kosrae, where he was deeply loved by everyone on the island. Humble, kind, and endlessly generous, he had friends of all ages and was known for his helpful spirit and warm heart. He raised pigs and farmed throughout his youth, always giving back to others whenever he had the chance.
At 17, Willie moved to the United States to pursue his education. After a brief time in California, he made his way to Texas, where he attended Navarro College. He began working at the Adams Hat Factory, where he met his first wife, Angela Hatley. Shortly after, he started a long and dedicated career at Guardian Glass in Corsicana, TX, where he worked for over 20 years. During that time, he and Angela had two daughters, Cassandra and MiKayla, who became his pride and joy.
In 2011, Willie married the love of his life, Shannon Elaine Skilling. With that union, he became a father to Shannon's son, Chance - a title he never took lightly. Willie loved Chance as his own and always made sure all of his children felt equally adored. To Willie, family was everything, and he loved his wife, children, brothers, sisters, nieces, and nephews with unshakable devotion.
Willie was a devoted Christian who lived his faith with quiet strength and grace. His love for God was reflected in how he treated others - with patience, generosity, humility, and unwavering kindness.
In 2016, Willie's kidneys began to fail. Without hesitation, his mother-in-law, Sharon, selflessly donated her kidney, allowing him to continue living life with his family. When that kidney failed in 2020, he began continuous dialysis - a grueling process he endured without a single complaint. Through every challenge, every struggle, every moment of pain, Willie remained steady and strong. He never once gave voice to his suffering, instead choosing to keep giving, keep loving, and keep living.
He enjoyed life's simple pleasures - fishing, cooking, and caring for those around him. He was a provider by nature and lived every day with humility, faith, and an unshakable love for his family.
Willie is preceded in death by his parents, Masayuki and Shrue Skilling, and sisters Elkalina T. Palik, Mary Rosie M. Skilling, and Rosilee M. Skilling.
He is survived by his wife, Shannon Elaine Skilling; daughters Cassandra Arlene Kissinger and husband James Kissinger, MiKayla Rayne Goff and husband Derek Goff; son Chance Hasse; brother Arthy Skilling and wife Monica and their children; sister Robina Sigrah and husband Gifford and their children; sister Darlene M. Skilling and husband Berney George; sister Almitta Sigrah and husband Smith and their children; sister Malia Teregeyo and husband Hilario and their children; and sister Rosie M. Skilling and husband Daniel Guzman and their child; mother-in-law Sharon Fox and husband, Tim; and father-in-law, Gary Lenox and wife, Rosa; Paula Lenox; brother-in-laws, Cody Koch and wife, Valerie, Dylan Lenox and wife, Sarah, Chad Koch and wife, Kristen, James fox and wife, Kate and Danny Lenox; sister-in-laws, Gracelynn Lenox and Misha Pavlovsky and husband, Tommy.
Willie's legacy of love, sacrifice, and strength will live on in all who knew and loved him.
"Well done, good and faithful servant Enter into the joy of your Lord." – Matthew 25:23
"The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit." – Psalm 34:18
"He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more " – Revelation 21:4
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