Astor Ford Scott

Astor F. "Dick" Scott, our Dad, Papa, brother, uncle, cousin and friend, passed away on Sunday, April 22, 2018, at Clifford Chester Sims Veteran’s Home.

Dad was born to the late John Marcus and Edith Scott (Harvell) on October 27, 1922 in St. Andrews, Florida and was a member of the East Bay Baptist Church in Callaway, Florida.  He attended Millville Elementary and graduated from Bay High School in 1941.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 67 years, Estelle H. Scott; son-in-law, Earl K. Sampson, bonus mom, Ira Mae Scott and bonus dad, Fletcher Harvell; three sisters, Johnnie Lurlene Seville (Bug), Ann Varnum, and Joyce Golden; great-granddaughter, Autumn Michele Burden.

He is survived by one son, Douglas A. Scott; daughter, Kathryn S. Sampson; grandchildren, Lorri Burden (Glen), Michele Schoolcraft (Garry) all of Atlanta; Scott Raffield (Skylar White) of Portland, Oregon; Tracee Borden (Jonathan) of Warner Robins, Ga.  Two sisters, Jenny Donahue and Johnnie (Todd) Hanson and cousin Kay McBride.  Dad is also survived by several nieces and nephews, who always tell me they loved their “Uncle Dick”.

Dad was also blessed with eight great-grandchildren:  Taylor, Courtney and Sarah Burden; Brandon and Ryan Schoolcraft and Zoe, Jessi and Amelia Borden.

He joined the U.S. Navy in December, 1941.  Spent four years at sea on the USS Pennsylvania and USS Phoenix during WWII.  During this time, received awards: National Defense Service Medal, Asiatic Pacific with two Bronze Stars, WWII Victory Medal, American Campaign Medal, Philippine President Unit Citation, Philippine Liberation Medal and Philippine Independence Ribbon.

March 1948, he enlisted in the Air Force and traveled, with his family, to Turkey (2 tours), Brazil, Virginia, Florida (Orlando and Tyndall AFB), Alaska, Maine and New York, where he retired at the rank of Chief Master Sergeant in 1964. Dad’s primary job was Civil Engineer, with secondary being Missile Squad.  Awards received:  Commendation Medal with Oak Leaf Clusters, Longivity Service Award with 3-Oak Leaf Clusters, Army Commendation Medal for Service with JBUSMC, National Defense Services Medal and Good Conduct Medal.

After retiring from the Air Force, he accepted a job with Civil Service in Warner Robins where he remained for four years.  After leaving the Civil Service, he opened up his own motor shop at his home on Star Avenue; once business grew, he opened Scott’s Motors on Industrial Drive.  He sold his shop in 1984 and retired for good.  

Dad and Mom decided to sell their place on Star Avenue and build a new house on Richard Bayou.  He spent many days fishing, sharing his catch with family and friends; enjoyed floundering at night and looking for oyster beds. Dad loved to travel, and he and mom drove twice to Alaska.

As all of Dad’s family knows, he was a man of few words.  But once he was diagnosed with dementia, he opened up and told many stories of his childhood days.  He was very proud of his age, making it well into his 90’s.  He repeatedly said, even to strangers, “take a good look at me and tell me how old you think I am.”  

He loved talking about Mom:  “I met Estelle on her 19th birthday coming out of the Martin Theater.  She had been to see Gone with the Wind, a three hour movie.  We were married for 67 years; that’s longer than a lot of people live.  I sure do miss her.”
Dad told these stories so often, staff in his Delta Blue Unit at Sims Nursing Home, knew them by heart!

Dad, we are all going to miss you terribly, but now you can be back with Mom, and once again happy.

The family will receive friends and family beginning at 10:00 a.m. Friday, May 4, 2018, followed by funeral services at 11:00 a.m. at Kent-Forest Lawn Funeral Home with the  Rev. Jack Hankins officiating.  Interment will follow at Evergreen Cemetery. 

We wish to thank Clifford Chester Sims State Veteran’s Nursing Home for all the care and love they gave Astor (Dick) during his four years residing there, and Covenant Hospice for taking care of Dad his last few days with us.

In lieu of flowers, please make contributions to the Covenant Hospice of Bay County or the Rescue Mission.  Years ago when Dad was able to catch mullet with a net, he enjoyed taking his extras to the Mission.

Arrangements by Kent-Forest Lawn Funeral Home and Cemeteries
www.kentforestlawn.com

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Astor Ford Scott, please visit our floral store.