Michael Kelly Scott

Michael Kelly Scott, 51, of Mebane, passed away on Monday, November 17, 2025, at the University of North Carolina Hospital in Chapel Hill after a long illness.

Born on May 18, 1974, in Raleigh to Everett S. Scott and Mary Jane Palaganas, Mike grew up in Goldsboro and Spring Hope. He graduated from Southern Nash High School before earning a degree in Business Management from Campbell University. He later pursued a degree in graphic animation, beginning his career as a graphic artist.

Mike eventually found his true calling in real estate, a passion that deepened even further when his wife, Karen, joined him in founding their company, Great Scott Properties. A gifted artist, he created many treasured works through painting, wood burning, sculpting, and resin artistry.

Above all, Mike was a devoted husband and father to his two daughters and son. In recent years, he found renewed strength and peace in his faith and was a member of Crosslink Church in Mebane. He loved hiking, fishing at Topsail Island, cooking memorable meals, playing guitar with his brothers, and spending meaningful time with his family.

Mike is survived by his loving wife, Karen Scott; daughters, Julia Scott and Kaylen Scott; son, Matthew Scott; mother, Mary Jane Palaganas of Goldsboro; father, Everett Scott, and his wife Shelby Scott of Cary; brothers, Austin Nathaniel Scott and his wife Gena of Goldsboro; Lanny Scott of Cary; sister-in-law, Ruth Craft; brothers-in-law, William Doby and Dennis Spear; nieces Lauren Wright, Emily Craft, Ivy Scott, Palmer Scott, and Hope Palaganas; nephews Avery Scott, Lanny Scott, Jr., and Ryder Scott; and aunt Mary Scott.

He was preceded in death by his brothers, Kevin Wayne Palaganas and Benjamin Ryan Palaganas; his maternal grandparents, Walter and Essie Tucker; and his paternal grandparents, Everett Sr. and Geraldine Scott.

A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, November 22, 2025, at the Rich and Thompson Chapel in Graham. The family will receive friends from 10:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. prior to the service. A committal service will follow at Mebane Memorial Gardens.