Gail Parrish Skiles

Gail Parrish Skiles, 81, of Valdosta, died unexpectedly on Sunday, February 23, 2020. Born in Valdosta on June 30, 1938, she was the daughter of the late Henry Franklin Parrish, Sr. & Thelma Mae St. John Parrish. Growing up in Valdosta, Gail attended Valdosta City Schools and graduated as the Valedictorian of the VHS Class of 1956. She went on to attend and graduate from Valdosta State College (Now VSU) in 1959 earning a degree in English with a minor in music and biology. While in college, she and Jerry Dwaine Skiles began dating and were married at Lee Street Baptist Church on November 22, 1959. Gail then joined Dwaine and moved to many places during his 21 year career in the U.S. Navy. After his retirement, the Skiles returned to Valdosta. Gail was a skilled accompanist. Having begun playing in churches at the age of 12 she continued playing over 6 decades. She played in churches growing up in Valdosta and all over the United States. Upon returning to Valdosta she played at churches that included Lee Street Baptist, Pyle Baptist, Westside Baptist and then most recently at Hahira United Methodist Church until her retirement. Quilting was also a favorite pastime, having started many quilts yet finishing few with her friends in the guild in Hahira. She was also a member of the “Dosta Diva’s” and the Valdosta Readers Book Club. Throughout her life, Gail loved adventure and traveling places. Gail loved, and was loved by her family, her church families, playing music and serving her Lord Jesus.
Survivors include her four daughters and three sons in law, Pam & Jay Strickler of San Antonio, TX, Lisa & Rex Baldwin of Valdosta, Melanie & Bert Evans of Tallahassee, Heather Harris of Valdosta; her sister Elaine McMillian of Valdosta; her grandchildren Lindsey Strickler, Paul Strickler both of San Antonio, TX, Brooke (Garrett) Dowling of Valdosta, Sarah Baldwin of Nashville, TN, Davis Baldwin, Colton Baldwin both of Valdosta, Dale (Gillian) Evans, Jr. of Jupiter, FL, Danny (Kelly) Evans of Boiling Springs, SC; her great grandchildren Rylie Mae Dowling, Jackson Evans, and Amelia Evans; numerous nieces, nephews, and other relatives, and a brother-in-law Keith Skiles. Gail was preceded in death by her husband Jerry Dwaine Skiles, and sister and brother-in-law Joann and Ed Sanders and numerous half siblings.
A funeral service for Gail will be held at 1pm on Friday, February 28, 2020 at Northside Baptist Church with Dr. Robbie Foster officiating. Burial will follow at McLane Riverview Memorial Gardens. The family will receive friends on Thursday from 5-7pm at the Carson McLane Funeral Home. Flowers will be accepted or donations may be made to the American Cancer Society. Condolences may be conveyed online at www.mclanecares.com. Carson McLane.