Lawrence R. Skinner, Sr

Online Reward  Poster

Newspaper Articles

Lawrence R. Skinner, Sr. - was born on May 9, 1941 in Michigan. He graduated from Greenville High, and while in high school he played football. He was very proud that he was a high school graduate, that was very important to him. After high school, he joined the United States Navy. He only served during peace time, but he saw so many wonderful places while in the Navy. Larry was married the first time for 20 years and had two children. He married again and upon his death would have been married for almost 20 years to his second wife. He had helped raise his step son since the age of 2. Larry has four grandchildren, Three boys and one girl.

Larry worked hard all his life and alot of times did things for people and did not ask for anything in return. In 2004, a memorial bench was placed in his honor for all the hard work and dedication he gave to his church. They called the sidewalk that he put in so the elderly woman did not get their shoes dirty or wet "Larry Skinner Memorial Walkway"

He enjoyed working, fishing, working in his yard, playing with his dogs and loved NASCAR. His favorite driver was Mark Martin - #6. He went to races locally and out of state with his family.

Larry was a wonderful person and his life was taken so tragically. His family misses him so much, his one grandson feels that once the driver is caught, his Pop-Pop Skinner will come home. Larry was not one for alot of attention, but thanks to his daughter - his story is all over. There are changes in laws being done in his honor and no one will ever forgot him.

We miss you Larry and we pray that you are at peace.

If tears could build a stairway

And memories a lane,

We'd walk right up to Heaven

And bring you home again.

May God be with you, until we meet again.

posted by daughter, Lisa Miles

My name Sue and I was married to Larry for 18 beautiful years. My stepdaughter Lisa Miles who was her father has done so much to keep his name and not to let things go. And for that I thank her so much. There is not a day that has went by that I don't think of everything that has happen. I miss him so much. Tomorrow will be 2 years that my true love left this earth and will never be forgotten.
Mrs. Sue Skinner

On November 14, 2003 - my father, Lawrence R. Skinner, Sr was working on the Brandriff Avenue Bridge in Millville, NJ. At around 9:08am - a large tri-axle dump truck drove through the work zone, struck and killed my father. The driver of the dump truck, stop 100 yards from where my father laid, looked out his or her window and drove away.

It has been almost two years now, and the driver is still at large. All we know of the truck is that is was a tri-axle dump truck, dark red cab, silver body and the lettering on the door goes on a slant. We have no idea if the truck is from NJ, PA, DE or MD.

I have posted flyers up all over to try and see if anyone will come forward - so far no luck. We have gotten pledge to us about $5000 in reward money from the local community and the Millville Crime Stoppers have a $1000 reward as well. The detective working on my dad's case - has exhausted all leads and is continuing to work hard on the case today.

I have started and alert system (The Skinner Alert) here in Cumberland County. If an fatal or serious injured hit and run accident occurs. Once the police assess the scene, they contact 911 with information on the car, driver whatever available. 911 will then call the local radio and television stations to have it broadcasted. If someone knows anything, they will then call 911 with the information and 911 will in turn give that to the local police.

Right now I am in the process with Assemblyman Jeff Van Drew (NJ) getting the alert system to cover the entire state of NJ. I am also getting a bill changed. Right now for a hit and run driver in NJ they can get 5 years and up to $10,000 in fines, which is a 3rd degree fine. I am trying to get that changed to a 2nd degree fine and up to $150,000 fine. The bill A2903 - is named Skinner's Law.

It has been passed by the State Assembly and we are waiting for the State Senate to take it and then on to the Governor of NJ.

Lisa Miles -8/20/05

Poem for Larry

You were taken away from us all without the chance to say goodbye

God needed his beautiful angel and it was time for you to go

May you be blessed in heaven with all of the memories that you've cherished

Please don't worry God will watch over you and your loved ones, so rest in peace

You were beautiful and everyone could see

You may be gone from this world but you will never be forgotten

You know how much we love you Larry - you will always remain in our hearts

Around the Corner I have a friend.

Around the corner I have a friend,
In this great city that has no end,
Yet the days go by and weeks rush on,
And before I know it, a year is gone.

I haven’t seen my old friends face,
For life is a swift and terrible race,
He knows I love him just as well,
As in the days when I rang his bell,
And he rang mine but we are busy then,
"Tomorrow" I say! "I will call on him
Just to show that I'm thinking of him."

But tomorrow comes and tomorrow goes,
And distance between us grows and grows.
Around the corner, yet miles away,
"I get a phone call," "Dad is gone."

And that's what we get and deserve in the end.
Around the corner, a vanished friend.
Remember to always say what you mean.
If you love someone, tell them.

Don't be afraid to express yourself.
Reach out and tell someone what they mean to you.
Because when you decide that it is the right time it might be too late

Seize the day. Never have regrets. And most importantly, stay close
to your friends and family, for they have helped make you the person
that you are today.

Written by Lawrence R. Skinner, Sr’s daughter Lisa Miles on the one year anniversary of her father’s death. 11/14/03

Lisa, with the help of her friend, Donnah, the mother of another hit and run victim, have joined forces to get Skinner's law passed on a state level. You may find a memorial to Donnah's son, Nickolas Marvel, here. You may find newspaper articles and letters to the editor on behalf of Lawrence Skinner here.

Deadly Roads