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Dr. S. Ballou Skinner, of Conway, South Carolina, passed away on May 10, 2026 at his home, surrounded by his family. Ballou was born in Russellville, South Carolina, on September 24, 1936, the son of the late Samuel B. Skinner, Jr. and the late Mary Timmons Skinner. Ballou loved his family above all else. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Beverly Jones Skinner, and his sisters, Fynette Jarrell and Mary Lou Luckett. He is survived by his children: Teresa Skinner of Conway, SC; Curt Skinner of Melbourne, Australia; and Angela Appelberg and her husband, Lance, of High Point, NC. He is also survived by four cherished grandchildren - Hayden Appelberg (wife Mackenzie) of Michigan, Corinne Appelberg of Florida, and Matilda and Ballou Skinner of Australia, and two wonderful great grandsons, Jebb and Olson Appelberg. Ballou attended elementary school in Russellville, SC, and middle school in St. Stephen, SC, where he developed his lifelong love of education. He graduated from Conway High School in 1954 and continued his education at Clemson College, where he earned his bachelor's degree. He later received both his master's degree and Ph.D. from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He also completed additional graduate studies through academic fellowships at the University of Michigan, the University of Kansas, and Oregon State University. Dr. Skinner taught science and mathematics and coached athletics at the high school level in Franklin, Tennessee, and Irmo, South Carolina. He later taught physics at St. Andrews Presbyterian College (where he also coached baseball), Columbia College, Coastal Carolina College of the University of South Carolina, and Coastal Carolina University. He retired in 1998 as Distinguished Physics Professor Emeritus. His teaching field was physics, and his research focused on nuclear and radiation physics as well as space science. During his tenure at Coastal Carolina University, Dr. Skinner served as Director of Academic Affairs from 1972-1974. Throughout his career, Coastal Carolina received 11 research fellowships from NASA, the Department of Energy, and the United States Air Force to conduct cutting-edge research. His work included projects involving targets for testing neutral particle beams in the Star Wars Program, identifying and solving bonding issues associated with the Space Shuttle's tile systems, and participating in the design of the Space Station Freedom program. Dr. Skinner authored 28 publications, reports, and invited presentations. In 1977, Governor Jim Edwards appointed him to the South Carolina Nuclear Advisory Council, where he served for four years. In 1980, Governor Richard Riley appointed him to the South Carolina Joint Legislative Committee on Energy, where he served until 1985. In 1993, Dr. Skinner participated in the USA Citizen Ambassador Program. Alongside a delegation of physics education professionals, he traveled to Vietnam to help strengthen relations between American and Vietnamese scientists following the Vietnam War. From 1993 to 1995, he served as coordinator of physics research in the TIM-Indiana University Cooperative Program in Malaysia. From 1998 to 2000, he taught physics at the American University of Sharjah in the United Arab Emirates. In 2001, he taught physics and mathematics to U.S. military personnel at Camp Doha in Kuwait. Dr. Skinner's biography appeared in numerous distinguished publications, including Who's Who in the World, Who's Who in America, Who's Who in Science and Engineering, Who's Who in the South and Southwest, The Dictionary of International Biography, and the British publication Men of Achievement. Ballou was a member and former president of the Conway Lions Club, former president of the Horry County American Cancer Society, and a former member of the American Cancer Society's State Board of Directors. He also served as president of the Horry County Literacy Council, a board member of the Horry County Mental Health Association, a member of the Horry County Assessment Appeals Board, and a volunteer for the Horry County United Way. Ballou remained deeply connected to his community and was honored by the Conway High School Education Foundation as an Outstanding Alumni recipient in 2024. Ballou was a devoted member of Kingston Presbyterian Church for over 55 years, where he faithfully served as a teacher, deacon, elder, and trustee. Ballou had many interests and passions throughout his life. He loved solving critical-thinking problems, crossword puzzles, and sudoku puzzles. He also loved the many cats he and his family rescued throughout the years. He and Beverly shared a love of travel and were fortunate to visit all seven continents and more than 100 countries together. Having played football, basketball, and baseball at Conway High School, Ballou carried his love of sports, competition, and fitness throughout his life. He was an avid tennis player and won medals in several events at the South Carolina Senior Olympics. He was also a passionate fan of Clemson football, Boston Red Sox baseball, and University of North Carolina basketball. A funeral service is being held on Sunday, May 17, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. at Kingston Presbyterian Church, Conway, SC. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to Kingston Presbyterian Church, 800 3rd Avenue Conway, SC 29526 or Juliets House Animal Rescue, Julietshouse.org. Sign an online guestbook at www.goldfinchfuneralhome.com Goldfinch Funeral Home, Conway Chapel is in charge of arrangements.

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Samuel Ballou Skinner III

September 24, 1936 - May 10, 2026