Dr. Russell Lee Skinner

Russell Lee Skinner, DVM, 66, of Mt. Sterling, died August 28, 2026 at the University of Kentucky Albert Chandler Hospital after a brave six month battle with brain cancer.

Born June 6, 1960 in Lexington, Kentucky, he was the son of the late Russell Virgil and Jean Razor Skinner. He was a veterinarian who cherished serving the people and pets of Mt. Sterling and surrounding communities. He joined his father’s veterinary practice, Mt. Sterling Veterinary Hospital, in 1986. He was a member of First Christian Church for his entire life where he proudly served as a deacon and elder. He was a 1982 graduate of the University of Kentucky and a 1986 graduate of the Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine. He had a love of travel, especially Paris and Punta Cana, food, and more than anything, spending time with his family and dogs.

Survivors include his wife of almost forty years, Dixie Birchfield Skinner, and two daughters, Anna Claire (Jordan) Gentry and Mary Ellen Skinner, his brother-in-law, niece and nephew, and numerous beloved cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents.

Visitation for Rusty will be held from 5:00 - 8:00 p.m. Monday, August 31, 2026, at the First Christian Church in Mt. Sterling.

Memorial services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, September 1, 2026, at the same location with Rev. Michelle Ballard officiating. 

In lieu of flowers, donations are suggested to the Montgomery County Animal Shelter, 115 Adena Dr., Mt Sterling, KY 40353, where he had two adorable granddogs adopted from or the First Christian Church, 209 West Locust Street (mailing), Mt. Sterling, KY 40353.

The Michael R. Gray Funeral Home in Owingsville is caring for all the arrangements for Rusty Skinner.