Horace ?Scotty? Lamont Scott Lt. Col USAF Jr.

1923 - 2016

Horace "Scotty" Lamont Scott Jr., Lt. Col (Ret), USAF

Robert Lee

Horace "Scotty" Lamont Scott Jr., Lt. Col (Ret), USAF went to be with the Lord on Saturday, Dec. 17, 2016 at his beloved ranch, surrounded by family, friends and pets.

Scotty was born on June 6, 1923 to Horace and Leola Scott in Bronte, Texas. In 1945, Scotty married the love of his life, the former Mary Watson of Alexander, Nebraska.

Scotty attended Robert Lee High School and played football at Tarleton State University, under the great coach Gen. James Earl Rudder, one of World War II's foremost heroes. He then attended Texas Christian University on a football scholarship. After Pearl Harbor, he joined the Army Air Force and was stationed at Concho Army Air Field in San Angelo. In 1944, Scotty graduated as a 2nd Lt. with his pilot wings at Brooks Air Field in San Antonio.

He left the U.S. Air Corps in Oct. 1945, opened a Barqs Root Beer bottling plant and raised Quarter Horses in Del Rio, Texas. Scotty was recalled to active duty in 1953, when the strategic Air Command expanded to 137 Wings. With over 6,000 pilot hours, in 17 types of aircraft, from single engine to the six engine B-47 Bomber, 156 trans-oceanic crossings, he often said God was his copilot. His military decorations include the Air Medal, which he was awarded for meritorious achievement while participating in aerial flights in the combat zones of Southeast Asia.

After his retirement in 1970, Scotty returned to Robert Lee and established the Flying H Ranch. He was one of the first to introduce Beefmaster cattle to West Texas. He served the community in several capacities, including President of the Robert Lee-Silver Lions Club, President of the Mt. Creek Golf Club, Executive Board member and Wagon Boss of West Texas Boys Ranch, and Director of Coke County Farm Bureau.

Scotty was a loving husband, father and grandfather who devoted his life to his family, country and friends. He was a true gentleman and lived a full and rewarding life. His incredible spirit will live in our hearts forever. He said of his life, "It has been a good ride."

Preceding him in death were his parents; sister, Christine Roach; and wife, Mary Scott.

He is survived by his daughters, Sharon Simons and husband Mark; Marilyn Sneed and husband Sam; grandchildren, Kerry Bitterman, Jennifer Greyard, Jessica Hoopes, Michelle Hoopes, John Simons and Scott Simons; great- grandchildren, Elizabeth Bitterman, Simon Bitterman, Jordan Greyard, Taylor Greyard and Tommy Greyard.

Visitation will be held all day Friday, Jan. 6 at the funeral home, located at 901 Austin St., Robert Lee, Texas, with family present 5 p.m. - 6 p.m. Funeral services will be held at 3 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 7, at the Robert Lee Baptist Church, 22 W. 11th St., with burial to follow in Robert Lee Cemetery. Services are under the direction of Shaffer Funeral Home.

Pallbearers will be Kerry Bitterman, Mike Bagwell, Joe Estrada, Noel Gregston, Jessica Hoopes and Scott Simons.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made to the West Texas Boys Ranch, 10223 Boys Ranch Rd., San Angelo, TX 76904.nOnline condolences may be made at shafferpioneer.com.