Kenneth F.P. Skodacek

Ken Skodacek of Bluffton, SC spent more than half of his 82 years of life enjoying working and living in the South Carolina low country with Kim, his beloved bride of 36 years. However, on April 10th, after a brief illness, while holding his wife’s hand as he always did, the Lord called Ken to his glorious new home in Heaven.

One of Ken’s often quoted scriptures regarding the sure promises for the child of God is, “For me to live is Christ and to die is gain, (Phil 1:21)”, and another is “We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord (2 Cor 5:8).” The hope of eternal life is the bedrock of Christianity. Because of the resurrection of Jesus Christ, we know that death is not the end. And if we believe in Him for salvation from our sins, and know Him as our Lord, then we will live with Him in heaven forever (Romans 6:1). We will be “present with the Lord” and also reunited with believing loved ones who have gone home before us. This hope is not based on wishful thinking or blind faith but on the promises of God revealed in Scripture.  Eternal truths like these are the joy and comfort of those who have been redeemed by the blood of the Lamb and have received Christ as Savior and Lord of their life. Having followed his Lord for more than forty years, Ken was ready to be called home whenever his Father chose. For Ken, it was all “gain.” For Kim, and daughter Tiffany Skodacek Surran (husband, Chris) and grandsons, Christopher, Kolbe and Hart Surran of Dallas, Texas the blessed hope of their future reunion brings comfort in the midst of their sorrow. 

Ken, a graduate of Georgia Tech School of Architecture, and the leading land planner for Willard C. Byrd and Associates in Atlanta, GA, created the land plans for Wexford and Indigo Run during the early 1980s. He also worked on various projects in Shipyard and Port Royal during the time the Hilton Head Company was owned by Marathon Oil Co. of Findlay, Ohio. Ken had a true talent for designing residential communities with golf courses so that both elements worked together in a harmonious fashion.

Upon moving to Hilton Head to oversee these projects, Ken eventually opened his own firm on the Island in the mid-80s and used his skills throughout the low country. Because Ken loved his work, he never did retire. Designing golf courses with golf pro and CBS golf commentator, Ken Venturi, was one of the many highlights of Ken’s long career.

A 1st Lieutenant in the US Army during the Vietnam era, Ken proudly served his patriotic duty to his Country in Vicenza, Italy.

Funeral arrangements have been made by Sauls Funeral Home. The funeral service will be held at the pavilion at the National Cemetery in Beaufort, SC on Wednesday, April 17th at two o’clock, with Dr. John Trotter officiating. All who wish to honor Ken by joining the auto procession following the hearse to the cemetery are invited to arrive at the funeral home on 90 Simmonsville Road, Bluffton, SC before 12:45. There will be no funeral home visitation.  

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to WAGP FM, The Light 88.7 Christian Radio, at Community Bible Church, PO Box 130, Beaufort, SC 29901, which will help make it possible for others to hear the Good News.

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