Willie Louis Scott, Jr.
February 13, 1959 ~ February 8, 2021 (age 61) 61 Years OldShare using:
Willie Louis Scott, Jr. was born February 13, 1959 in Newberry, SC. Born to loving parents, the late Gloria Zelda Nelson Scott and the late Willie Louis Scott, Sr., and to a loving family. His Heavenly Father called him home on February 8, 2021.
He attended the Newberry County Schools (Drayton Street Elementary School, Boundary Street Elementary, Gallman Jr. High, and Newberry High School). His father lovingly called Scotty “Chief” because of his athleticism, infectious smile and ability to connect and lead, and generosity. From his first football team at 6 years old through the high school state all-star and all-conference teams and championships in football and basketball, he was beloved by all. After graduating from Newberry High School, where he lettered in football, basketball, and track, and after having to decide whether to play football or basketball, he selected the University of South Carolina Gamecocks as his next athletic and academic steps. At Carolina, he was the starting tight end for the teams most successful seasons, and, again, was lauded for his athleticism through all-conference teams, as an All American team, and numerous bowl games. Throughout all of his athletic events, his mother – Gloria Zelda Nelson Scott, could be found on the 50-yard line (football) or half court (basketball) to cheer him on. His father, until his untimely death, was forever coaching him as an athlete and as a person. After graduating from the University of South Carolina, with a bachelor’s in health education, he was a first round pick in the National Football League (NFL) and was drafted by the Kansas City Chiefs. After playing for the Chiefs, he ended his career after several years with the New England Patriots.
After leaving a 10-year career in the NFL, he turned to coaching, first at East Carolina, the University of South Carolina, and South Carolina State University (his father’s graduate alma mater). His calling to work more closely with young people and to provide male leadership to young African American boys and young men, he turned to high school coaching. He was a Career Development Facilitator at Saluda Middle School and an In-School Suspension Monitor at Pelion High School. At both schools, he coached football, track, and basketball. He also coached golf.
While Willie was most visible on the field, he was as visible in his spiritual and church life. He grew up in a family that love the Lord, and facilitate his life-long relationship with Christ. He was a confirmed member in the Episcopal Church, specifically at St. Monica’s and St Luke’s and was often attended and sang in the gospel group at Bethlehem Baptist Church. Throughout his life, including during his time in the NFL, he attended church regularly. After leaving the NFL, he attended the Trinity Cathedral in Columbia, SC. He later returned to his Baptist roots and attended the Pleasant Hill Missionary Baptist Church.
Willie Louis Scott, Jr. is survived by his wife Susan S. Scott, three step-children, Cassidy (Joshua) Mercadel, Cameron Shackleford, and Caleb Shackleford; two siblings, Pamela E. Scott-Johnson (Franklin) and Nelson B. Scott; uncles and aunts (David and Vina Abrams, Harry Abrams, Clarence Abrams, Sr., Edward and Mary Abrams, Lula Nelson); cousins; close family friends; neighbors; God children; and loving community of supporters.
A graveside service will be held on Saturday, February 13, 2021 at 3:00 PM at Werts Cemetery. All in attendance are asked to wear a mask or face covering and to practice social distancing. Visitation will be on Friday, February 12, 2021 from 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM.
Services will be streamed through Facebook via this link.
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