Damian “Skip” Joseph Stites

Damian “Skip” Joseph Stites

July 22, 1950 – January 4, 2025

On Saturday, January 4, 2025, the world lost a mighty warrior. Damian “Skip” Joseph Stites

passed away at his home in Hoschton, Georgia, surrounded by love and memories of a life lived

at full throttle.

Skip was a husband, father, grandfather, and a devoted law enforcement professional. He was

tough as nails, but his heart was as big as his love for his family. His legacy isn’t just about

service—it’s about the fire, grit, and unstoppable passion he brought to everything he did.

Visitation (“Skip casual” attire):

Sunday, January 12, 2025

4:00 PM – 7:00 PM

Memorial Park Funeral Home

5257 Green Street / Hwy 53

Braselton, Georgia 30517

Funeral Service:

Monday, January 13, 2025

11:00 AM

Prince of Peace Catholic Church

6439 Spout Springs Road

Flowery Branch, Georgia 30542

Burial will follow the service at Memorial Park Cemetery, 4121 Falcon Parkway

Flowery Branch, Georgia 30542.

Born July 22, 1950, in St. Louis, Missouri, to Wilbur and Audrey Stites, Skip was raised with a

no-nonsense, can-do attitude that carried him through life. On January 27, 1968, he married

Rhonda Ellen Trelease, the love of his life and partner for 57 years. Later that year, he graduated

from Mapleton High School in Denver, Colorado. He continued his education at Fort Lewis

College in Durango, Colorado, where he earned his bachelor’s degree.

Skip’s career in law enforcement was the stuff of legends. He started as an officer with the

Durango Police Department, where he quickly made a name for himself. In 1982, he took things

up a notch, joining the FBI as a Special Agent. Over the next 23 years, he didn’t just serve his

country—he went all in. He trained law enforcement in more than 60 countries, became a mentor

to countless agents, and showed what it meant to be relentless. Even after retiring in 2006, Skip

couldn’t stay away. For another 19 years, he shared his hard-earned expertise as a contract

instructor, shaping the next generation of agents with his no-BS approach.

Skip wasn’t just about work—he lived life wide open. A Harley Davidson enthusiast, he hit the

road with the wind in his face and freedom in his heart. He thrived outdoors, spending countless

nights RV camping under the stars, and he never turned down a chance for adventure. On the

golf course, he swung big, laughed louder, and made every game an event. His love of sports ran

deep, starting with his own days as a standout athlete and college football player, and carried on

through his unwavering support for his kids and grandkids at every sporting event. Skip didn’t

just show up—he was all in, every time.

For those lucky enough to know him, Skip was a force of nature. His impact was as undeniable

as his handshake, as fierce as his loyalty, and as lasting as the memories he created. He lived

hard, loved harder, and left an indelible mark on the world.

Skip is survived by his beloved wife Rhonda, sister Cecilia, children John (Rhonda) and Joe

(Ann), grandchildren Karli (Chris), Kendall, Molly, Samuel, Daniel, Jacob, and his cherished

fur babies Harley and Daisey.

He was preceded in death by his parents Wilbur and Audrey, and his sister Madeline.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the FBI Agents Association Memorial

College Fund, which provides scholarships to the children and spouses of FBI Agents who have

passed away while serving.

Please visit https://fbiaa.org/donations to contribute in Skip’s memory

Braselton Funeral Home, 5257 Hwy 53, Braselton, Georgia 30517 is in charge of arrangements.  Send on-line condolences to www.memorialparkfuneralhomes.com