Jonathan Cole Skelton

Jonathan “Jon” Cole Skelton, of Clemson, South Carolina, passed away unexpectedly on November 6, 2025. Born at Anderson Hospital, he was the third child of Virginia C. and Thomas E. Skelton.

Jon grew up in Clemson and graduated from Daniel High School before earning a degree in Horticulture from Clemson University. He was a proud member of the Sigma Nu fraternity, a Clemson cheerleader, and a member of Tiger Brotherhood. His love for the Tigers never faded.

After graduation, Jon began his career with an agricultural chemical company in Iowa, later earning his MBA from the University of South Carolina. His professional journey took him through real estate, restaurant management, and IT, but his true passion became rescuing dogs, even opening a resale store to support animal shelters. Over the years he adopted and cared for many dogs—each one lucky enough to be chosen by him.

Jon’s kind spirit, gentle humor, and faith made him beloved by friends and family alike. After moving back to Clemson, he enjoyed daily visits with his Dad, traveling (most recently on a European cruise), thrifting, antiquing, cultivating a variety of unique plants, reading his Bible, and enjoying services at Newspring Church in Wichita Falls. He was a devoted Christian who lived out his faith quietly through compassion and loyalty. Jon will be remembered for his integrity, warmth, and love for all living things.

As a healthy individual, his passing from a sudden heart attack came as a shock to everyone who knew him. He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by his family, friends, and the many dogs who found a forever home by his side.

Jon is survived by his father, Thomas E. Skelton; sister LeighAnne Wilson (Sam) of Memphis, TN; uncle, B.J. Skelton (Lynn) of Six Mile, SC; aunt, Betty Crick of Augusta, GA; nine nieces and nephews; and 11 great nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his mother, Virginia Lee Cole Skelton; brother, Thomas Eugene Skelton, Jr.; uncles, B.R. Skelton (Vickie), and Donald Lee Skelton.

The family will receive friends at 10 am on Friday, November 28th, at Duckett-Robinson Funeral Home in Central. Funeral services will be held in the chapel at 11 am, with graveside services following at Old Stone Church Cemetery.

Visit RobinsonFuneralHomes.com or Duckett-Robinson Funeral Home & Cremations, Central-Clemson Commons.