Frank Eugene Skidmore, 69, of Mooresville, N.C., passed away peacefully at home on Tuesday, April 7, 2026, surrounded by his family and the soundtrack of his favorite music playing in the background. That was Frank — never far from a good song and the people he loved most.
Born on August 10, 1956, in Gaston County, he was the son of the late Jack Herman Skidmore and Nancy Lee Garrison Skidmore. He grew up in Gastonia, where he could often be found on a ball field, playing baseball and football. He later graduated from Ashbrook High School and remained a proud North Carolinian at heart.
He went on to attend Appalachian State University, earning a bachelor’s degree in business management while continuing his love for baseball. Not long after, he married the love of his life of 44 years, Dana Lee Skidmore.
Together, they built a beautiful family with their three children, Matthew, Joshua, and Sarah Caitlin. If you knew Frank, you knew his family was his greatest pride. Though his family may have started small — Frank had a way of “adopting” just about everyone he met. His magnetic personality made strangers feel like friends, and before long, like family. He was the kind of dad who coached every team, showed up for everything, and later helped his kids chase their dreams.
Frank had a deep love for music and an ability to win music trivia against even the toughest opponent. We know he’s up in heaven listening to his CDs and cassettes. He was also a devoted fan of Law & Order, a loyal Sundrop enthusiast, and a firm believer that few things in life could top a good old-fashioned livermush sandwich from Bob’s Grill. A true craftsman at heart, Frank could build just about anything with his bare hands.
While he dances in heaven, he is survived by his devoted wife, Dana Loden Skidmore; his children, Matthew Skidmore (Brooke), Joshua Skidmore (Taylor), and Sarah Caitlin Skidmore (Samuel Pugh); his sister, Teresa Stiles (Richard); his nephew, Stephen Stiles (Erika); his niece, Summer Faulk (Bill); his brother-in-law, Gary Loden; his beloved grandson, Graycen Scott Skidmore; and his faithful companions, his fur babies Buddy, Charlie, and Zoey.
Frank didn’t just live a life — he made it brighter for everyone lucky enough to know him. Although we will miss him every day for the rest of our lives, we know we’ll see him again.
A Celebration of Frank’s Life will be held and announced by the family at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Atrium Hospice and Palliative Care Cabarrus, 5003 Hospice Lane, Kannapolis, NC 28081 or American Cancer Society, 1901 Brunswick Ave., Suite 100, Charlotte, NC 28207-1897.
Cavin-Cook Funeral Home and Crematory, Mooresville, is serving the Skidmore family. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.cavin-cook.com.