OUR ROUND TABLE MOURNS the loss in July of one of its stalwarts, Ray Skinner, who was our last link to the original Civil War Round Table group.  In 1987 Ray, along with Tony Sargenti and George Cohen, initiated the original Civil War Round Table, which was then affiliated with and met at the Athens County Historical Society and Museum, to promote a better understanding and appreciation of the various aspects and issues of the Civil War. After three years those meetings were discontinued.

In 2006 an effort was started by David Frey and Bill Walker to rejuvenate the Round Table, and Ray eagerly and enthusiastically agreed to join the endeavor.  Ray also resumed the editing, production, and distribution of DrumTaps, the organization’s newsletter.  Ray used his organization and communication skills to focus on helping to make the public aware of the heritage of those who fought in the Civil War.  Many of these efforts were channeled through his Civil War era alter ego, Sgt. Glazier, who made numerous appearances in uniform at schools and events in Athens and elsewhere.

Ray and his wife, Marilyn, traveled extensively to Civil War battlefields, events, and seminars.  Ray came to Athens in 1966 to teach in the Ohio University College of Education, and once in Athens he became involved in many civic and charitable organizations.  His involvement in and contributions to CWRT and the community will be greatly missed.

A memorial service for Ray was held in Walter Hall Rotunda at Ohio University on Sunday, September 16 from 2:00 to 4:00 pm.

You can read more about the life of this remarkable man by clicking here.