Charles “Charlie” Tindall Skillern, 82, a long-time resident of both Marco Island, FL, and Gainesville, GA, passed away on Sunday, June 14, 2026. He was a cherished husband, father, grandfather, and friend. His presence will be deeply missed.

Charlie was a lifelong “serial” entrepreneur—and loved it. While completing his Bachelor of Science in Building Construction at the Georgia Institute of Technology (class of 1967), Charlie worked for an Atlanta architectural firm where he observed the process of real estate development and got to know some of the firm’s apartment developers, later helping with the proformas and design of some of these developers’ projects.

Building single-family homes was a good way to learn the development and construction industry while being productive. 19 years and approximately 560 living units later, after building most forms of residential living units, a decision was made to switch careers in a major way.

The result was a staircase parts and curved stair manufacturer, distributor, and dealer. An OEM line of staircase parts was developed, manufactured in-house, and sub-manufactured in the U.S. Some high-volume products were imported from Indonesia, Taiwan, and China. 

“Staircase & Millwork Corp.,” with a registered trademark of “Mr. Stair,” ultimately had a U.S. distribution of staircase products and curved stairs generally as far north as Canada and to the Rockies in the west, although occasionally shipping products to the far west and worldwide. After selling the business in 2002 and retiring, the venture partner owning the majority of shares acquired the chief Atlanta competitor, Southern Staircase, retaining the acquired company name.

Shortly after retiring in 2002, Paula and Charlie moved to Marco Island, FL, where they resided for 19 years. While there, Charlie was a member of the United Methodist Church, Marco Men’s Club, Island CC, and the Marco Sport Fishing Club. Charlie and Paula’s most active significant membership was in the Marco Bay Yacht Club, where he and Paula were very active. Charlie served on the Bridge and was Commodore.

In 2021, Charlie and Paula moved back to Gainesville, GA, settling in the Harbour Point Yacht Club. In their more than five years in this community, they made dear and lasting friendships. Charlie and Paula enjoyed traveling, logging 83 countries and 50 US states, with emphasis on the local food and art whether abroad or at home. Their travel adventures continue to be highlights of their time together.

Charlie’s greatest pride and deepest joy was his family. Charlie was enlivened by family celebrations, engaging conversations over meals, and beautiful sunsets, and his smile widened upon the opportunity to introduce his family members to new friends.

Charlie is survived by his beloved wife of 36 years, Paula Skillern, two children, Greg Skillern and Leigh Elliott and her husband Bryan Pfaff, two grandsons Andrew Elliott and Nathan Pfaff, brother Mike Skillern, sister-in-law Angela Joyner and her husband David, niece Jessica McLeod and her husband Shaun, and their children Super McLeod and Brooklyn McLeod, and nephew Noah Joyner and his children, Kendall Joyner and Maddox Joyner.

Friends and family are invited to attend a visitation on Friday, June 19, 2026, from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM at Little & Davenport Funeral Home on Dawsonville Highway in Gainesville, GA. His funeral will be held at First Baptist Church, Gainesville, GA, on Saturday, June 20, 2026, at 1:00 PM in the chapel followed by a graveside service at Alta Vista Cemetery.

In remembrance of Charlie Skillern, the family asks that any charitable donations be made to the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation (https://www.pulmonaryfibrosis.org).

Those wishing to leave condolences may do so at www.littledavenport.com

Little & Davenport Funeral Home are in charge of arrangements.