PORTLAND – Albert Cobb Skilling, 81, of Gray, died peacefully surrounded by his family Monday, May 24.

Born in West Gray Nov. 24, 1922, the son of John A. and Catherine Cobb Skilling and graduated from Pennell Insititute Class of 1940. He married Mary Elizabeth (Betty) Blake on May 9, 1942, they were married for 54 years until her death Jan. 10, 1996.

Mr. Skilling served during World War II in the Philippines and Japan in the Army Rangers as a Staff Sergeant. After the war he was employed by Thomas Laughlin Co. (later on known as the Crosby Group Laughlin Plant) in Portland for 44 years retiring as Superintendent in 1983.

While working for Thomas Laughlin, Mr. Skilling operated an electrical business in Gray nights and weekends. Many electricians today started working for “Al” and learned the basics from him. Mr. Skilling retired in 1986.

On June 28, 1998, he married Bea Davis, they had many fun times traveling and at family functions. He was well received by her family and her two sons. Terry Davis of Scarborough and Alan Davis of Florida. Bea died Nov. 29, 2000.

He was a 34-year member of the Gray Post 86 American Legion, Presumpscott Lodge 127 Masons, Portland Consistory 32nd degree and Kora Temple Shriners, Lake Region Shrine Club and Fraternal Order of Eagles 32, Red Arrow Army Division, and a member of the First Congregational Church of Gray.

He loved horseracing, going snowmobiling at the Camp Lucky Seven in Eustis where his CB handle was “Big Al.” He had many friends in the places he went and the organizations to which he belonged.

In recent years our family was most grateful to his travel companion and former school mate, Edra Wilkinson, they shared many day trips and family functions together. We would like to thank the Gray Rescue for all the comfort and transportation they gave him and his neighbors for helping us check on him so he could live at home. He also appreciated the friendship of Mathew Edson who stopped into check on him often and took care of the lawns, snowblowing, and painting.

Surviving are one son, Richard and his wife Kathleen of Gray; two granddaughters, Diane M. Spencer of West Gardiner and Cheryl L. Verrill of Poland; five great-grandchildren, Marissa and Joseph Caminiti, Caleb and Abram Verrill and Raelyn Spencer; two brothers, Carlton and Robert, one sister, Yvonne Wilkinson all of Gray; many nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by both wives, Betty and Bea; and one brother, Kenneth.

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