Ernest "Skinner" Sweitzer, Jr.

Ernest “Skinner” Sweitzer, Jr., age 78, of Monterey, passed away Friday, July 12, 2024 at Augusta Nursing and Rehab Center in Fishersville. 

He was born December 22, 1945, a son of the late Ernest Taft Sweitzer and Mary Catherine (Hammer) Sweitzer. 

An equipment repair technician with the Virginia Department of Transportation, he retired in 2000 following 35 years of service. Additionally, he was a bulldozer operator for the Virginia Department of Forestry. An active member in his community, Junior was a past member of both the Highland County Volunteer Fire Department and the Highland County Volunteer Rescue Squad, as well as a former general manager of the Highland County Fair Association. 

He enjoyed time spent deer hunting and participating in turkey shoots, as well as tinkering in his shop working on small engines or restorations. Always community minded, he was known to help his neighbors and friends by plowing gardens in the spring and driveways in the winter, or to lend a hand in any other way as needed. 

Above all, Junior will be remembered as a hardworking man and steadfast provider, as well as a valued member of the community. 

He is survived by his wife, Joyce (Bishop) Sweitzer of Monterey; son, Steven Sweitzer and wife, Nancy of Hot Springs; and cousins, Pat Hammer, John Maynard Hammer, and Scott Siple. 

A funeral service will be held 11 a.m., Wednesday July 17, 2024 at Obaugh Funeral Home in McDowell with Pastor Bobbi Jo Gardner officiating. Interment will follow in Headwaters Cemetery. 

The family will receive friends from 6-8 pm, Tuesday, July 16 at the funeral home.

Pallbearers will be Charles Varner, John Maynard Hammer, Scott Siple, Mike Hilbert, Jack Kilgallen, Bo Defibaugh, Jim Armstrong, Alex Veasey, Kyle Obaugh, and Dean Moyers. 

Memorial contributions may be sent to Headwaters Cemetery, c/o Elmo Varner, 14952 Highland Turnpike, Head Waters, Va. 24442.