October 2, 2026
Rev. Steve Skates, 68, of Lafayette, Georgia, passed away on Monday, September 26, 2022. He was born in Walker County on April 1, 1954, to the late Roland Lloyd and Winona Elizabeth Skates. He was preceded in death by his brother, Roger Lee Skates.
Steve was a member of the 1972 graduating class of Trion High School. He then studied Liberal Arts at Dalton State College, Drafting and Design at Northwestern Technical College, Ministry at New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary, and Ministry at Shorter College. Steve pastored at Woodstation Baptist Church. He was also the former Minister of Youth at New Canaan Baptist Church, Minister of Youth at Meadowdale Baptist Church, Pastor at Hillcrest Baptist Church, and Pastor at Sonoraville Baptist Church.
Steve also served at Ridgeway Baptist Church as Music Minster, Walnut Grove Baptist Church as Music & Youth Minister and Ridgeway Baptist Church as Youth Minister.
Steve is survived by his loving wife, Carol Elaine Sosebee Skates, sons and daughter-in-law, Eric and Brandy Skates, Phillip Skates; brother and sister-in-law, Jerry Lamar and Kathryn Skates; sister and brother-in-law, Vickie Marie and Vester Young; grandchildren, Gabe Johnson, Jase Stokes, Laney Stokes, Griffin Skates, and Kynlee Stokes; and great-grandchildren, Evie Causby and Oakleigh Stokes. Several nieces, nephews, and other relatives survive.
The funeral service was held on Thursday, September 29, 2022, from Ridgeway Baptist Church. Dr. Steven Pearson, Rev. Randy Gregg, Rev. Wade Sosebee, and Rev. Rodney Blalock officiated. Burial followed in Ridgeway Baptist Church Cemetery with pallbearers Scott Skates, Patrick Skates, Daniel Young, Donnie Young, Nathan Sosebee, Aaron Sosebee, Sean DeLorme, and Ben Sosebee. Honorary pallbearers were the Deacons of Woodstation Baptist Church and the men of the church.
In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations be made to Georgia Baptist Children's Home, P.O. Box 329 Palmetto, GA 30268.
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