Leonard Skinner

Birth Name: Forby Leonard Skinner

Date of Birth: January 11, 1933

Place of Birth: Jacksonville, Florida, U.S.

Date of Death: September 20, 2010

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Place of Death: Jacksonville, Florida, U.S.

Ethnicity: English, as well as remote French

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Leonard Skinner was an American high school gym teacher, basketball coach, realtor, and bar owner, from Jacksonville, Florida. He was the namesake of rock band Lynyrd Skynyrd.

His father, Forby Andrew Skinner, died when Leonard was young. He was raised by his mother, Emro Constance (Wiggins) Cocoris, paternal grandmother, and paternal step-grandfather, Daniel Miles Barbee. He was married to Rosemary Jones.

Leonard’s patrilineal ancestry can be traced back to his 19th great-grandfather, George Skinner.

Leonard’s paternal grandfather was John M. Skinner (the son of John Nathan Skinner and Sarah Susan Brown). Leonard’s grandfather John was born in Florida. Leonard’s great-grandfather John was the son of James Skinner and Lulane “Laney” Parrott.

Leonard’s paternal grandmother was named Lula Mae Brazile. Lula was born in Georgia or Alabama.

Leonard’s maternal grandfather was named William M. Wiggins. William was born in Georgia.

Leonard’s maternal grandmother was named Cora Bell Ward. Cora was born in North Carolina.

Sources: Leonard Skinner on the 1940 U.S. Census –

Genealogy of Leonard Skinner (focusing on his father’s side) –

Death record of Leonard’s father –

Leonard’s mother on the 1920 U.S. Census –