Percy Scott Jr

With great sadness, the Scott Family announces the passing of Percy Scott, Jr, a husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and cousin, at age 73. He transitioned peacefully on July 31, 2022, in Marietta, GA after a lengthy bout with complications arising from cardiac arrest.

Percy Scott Jr. was born July 6, 1949, in Fairfield, AL to Percy & Carstella Scott (both deceased). Known as Butch to many, Percy was one of 11 brothers and sisters. His siblings included Charles J.  Cannon (Mary), Gladys Arrington (Richard) -Both deceased, Charsie Jackson (Sammie- deceased), Rosa B. Grafton (Thomas- deceased), Maxine S. Sanders (George), Veronica Newberry (Cleophus), Geraldine Long (Frank), Katherine Y. Parham (Groesbeck), Christine M. Demonbreun, M.D. (Kahlil), and Roderick H. Scott.

Growing up in the church, he accepted Christ in his life at an early age and was a member of Shady Grove C.M.E. Church, Fairfield, AL. Educated in the Fairfield School System, he took great joy in being a drummer in the marching band and playing baseball within the Englewood Community. He later went on to earn a bachelor’s degree from Miles College, and certificates for Work Adjustment Counseling from Auburn University. Percy loved all kinds of sports and sought to engender this in the youth he encountered. He also enjoyed antiquing and collecting, spending time with family/friends and being an “honorary dad” to Renaldo L. Whitman, Corey D. Benard, Tywana D. Benard, whom he affectionately called “Tijuana Brass” and Kayla Spraggins Willis, whom he affectionately called “Jack Rabbit” and a mentor to those people around him. At the time of death, he was a member of Hopewell Missionary Baptist Church, where he had served many years as a trustee.

In 1974 Percy and his wife, Karen Moss Scott, began 48 years of wedded bliss. 

A consummate conversationalist, Percy had an uncanny gift from God to engage with people of all races and cultures; he truly never met someone he considered a stranger. He helped, blessed, and showed love in both his speech and actions to most people he encountered. Being led on a career and personal path of helping, counseling, mentoring, encouraging civil rights advocacy and equity, Percy began working with Goodwill Industries in Birmingham, AL.

He was a man of many firsts.... In 1980 Percy Scott, Jr. became the first Black Director of Personnel at Cambridge Hospital (a Harvard teaching Hospital) in Cambridge, MA. Indeed, while holding this position he became the target of several death threats. In 1990, he began his tenure with Gwinnett County Government (GA) and subsequently became not only The First Executive Director, but also The First Black Executive Director of the Human Relations Commission. This position garnered him inclusion in “Gwinnett County Georgia”- Black America Series (a history book written by Jennifer E. Cheeks-Collins).  Most notable among several awards for public service and advocacy was the Martin Luther King, Jr. Drum Major Award for Community Service in 2000. He later retired from Gwinnett County in 2009.

When remembering Percy, two phrases come to mind. One describes his approach to others: “He never met a stranger”. The other which many who knew him will recognize as his response to circumstances: “What a life”! His laughter and great smile will be greatly missed by those who survive him.

Percy (aka Butch) is survived by his loving wife of 48 years, Karen Moss Scott, two children, Kimberly Lovette Belcher and Moss Hampton Scott (Felecia), grandchildren, Kira Noel Zitney, Moss Hampton Scott, II and Noelle Christian Scott and a host of loving siblings, nieces, nephews, cousins, in-laws and family friends.

Interment will be in Gilbert, Arizona.

What A Life!