Born in Port of Spain, Trinidad, in a family with four siblings and Barbadian ancestry on his father's side, Skinner came to the United States in 1943. He supported American values, and enlisted in the United States Army in 1944 and fought in World War II in France, which later allowed him to obtain citizenship.
Skinner originated from Port of Spain, Trinidad, within a family of four siblings and Barbadian lineage on his paternal side, before relocating to the United States in 1943. He advocated for American principles and enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1944, engaging in World War II in France, which subsequently enabled him to acquire citizenship.