Hamilton County Commissioner Fred Skillern loses son to cancer

Wednesday, January 25, 2012

photo Commissioner Fred Skillern speaks during a Hamilton County Commission meeting in this file photo.

Rees Skillern, Hamilton County Commissioner Fred Skillern's only son, died Tuesday after a seven-year battle with cancer.

The younger Skillern, 49, helped run Dixie Souvenirs, a Soddy-Daisy business started by his father.

"The Skillern family needs and desires your prayers during this time of great grief," County Commissioner Mitch McClure said in a statement late Tuesday.

Funeral arrangements are not complete.