Jackie Wayne Skeen

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Jackie Wayne Skeen (Wayne) on October 18, 2024, at the age of 73. 

Wayne was born on January 2, 1951, in Kosciusko, MS, to Jack and Nancy Skeen. He was the oldest of four boys who were primarily raised in Greenville, MS. 

Wayne attended Cleveland High School and went on to become a skilled welder, also developing a talent for designing and creating unique metallic art. While living in Cleveland, Mississippi he met his wife, Debbie Brunetti. Debbie and Wayne were married for over 30 years and had two children, Christopher Shea and Chasity Elizabeth.

Wayne had a way of making strangers feel like family instantly. He had a warm, jovial and disarming personality that made anyone who met him feel as if they had known him forever. Wayne had a great love of music and was a talented guitar player, singer, and songwriter. Friends and family have many fond memories of evenings spent at the Skeen home with Wayne playing guitar and singing, accompanied by Debbie playing the cabasa. 

Wayne had a huge heart and truly loved his family. He had a special bond with his grandchildren and became known as Pawpaw Wayne everywhere he went. He also deeply loved animals and treated his numerous pets like family, often taking in strays and giving them a loving home. Wayne’s spirit was one of a kind, and he will be greatly missed. 

He is preceded in death by his former wife Debbie Skeen, father Jack Skeen, mother Nancy Skeen, brother Michael Skeen, and niece Katie Marie Skeen. 

Wayne is survived by his children, Shea Skeen of Hernando, MS, Chasity Barksdale of Madison, MS, granddaughter McKinnon Skeen of Starkville, MS, grandsons Peter Vincent Brunetti Skeen of Hernando, MS and Robin Christopher Skeen of Hernando, MS, brothers Larry Skeen (Mona) of Greenville, MS, and Kavin Skeen (Alicia) of Southaven, MS. He is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins whom he adored. 

A celebration of life will be held Friday, October 25, at Ray Funeral home in Cleveland, MS. Visitation will be from 12:00 to 1:00, with a service immediately following. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the local animal shelter of your choice.