Roscoe Junior Scarbrough

Roscoe Junior Scarbrough, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, friend, and avid fisherman of Modesto, California, passed away on June 19, 2024, at the age of 78, after a lengthy health battle. He was surrounded by his family at the Alexander Cohen Hospice House. He is fondly remembered by his family and friends.

Roscoe is survived by his wife of 56 years, Linda Scarbrough, and their children: Tamara Fox (Rick) of Modesto, CA; Ross Scarbrough (Angela) of Hughson, CA; and Patricia Perez (Jonathan) of Modesto, CA. He leaves behind five grandchildren: Justin Fox (Viktoriya), Heather Gaona (Marcus), Noah Scarbrough, Cooper Scarbrough, and Ethan Perez, as well as three great-grandchildren: Nathaniel Fox, Adalynn Fox, and Oliver Gaona. Additionally, he is survived by his siblings Clayton Vinita Spears of Dardanelle, AR; Robert Scarbrough (Linda) of Modesto CA; Rebecca Silva (Gene) of Modesto CA; John Woodard (Mary) of Ceres, CA; William Woodard of Prospect, TN and Faye Stringer of Washington.

Roscoe was preceded in death by his father, Leonard Scarbrough; his mother, Mary Robison; and siblings Doris Clemmons, Bud Scarbrough, Radis Scarbrough, Sybal Maxwell, Oma Bebout, Maxine Bracket, Eugene Scarbrough, Rell Scarbrough, and Vera Mathis.

Roscoe was born in Waldron, Arkansas. He moved to California at a young age, where his love for the outdoors and fishing was nurtured by his stepfather, Orville Lear. He graduated from Modesto High School in 1963 and enlisted in the United States Army in 1965, receiving an honorable discharge in 1966. Roscoe met the love of his life, Linda, and they were married December 9, 1967. They had three children: Tamara, Ross, and Tricia. Roscoe worked for Gallo Glass for 31 years before retiring due to medical reasons. In retirement, he kept busy helping Linda watch their grandkids.

Fishing was his passion, especially bass fishing. During local tournaments or club outings, he was always focused and serious. His garage was as well-stocked as any local bait and tackle store. He never bought just one lure or bag of worms; if someone mentioned a specific lure that was working, chances are he already had it, and if not he would stock up immediately. When it came to fishing rods, he likely already owned the best fishing poles on the market. Roscoe inspired his son and grandsons with his knowledge and passion for fishing and they will continue to live on that legacy. His love for fishing extended to making custom rods and repairing broken ones for anyone in need. Dropping off a rod to him was never a quick task, as one story would lead to another, and before you knew it, an hour had passed. He enjoyed being around people and never met a stranger. While he enjoyed catch-and-release fishing, he didn’t mind eating his catch occasionally. Hosting fish fries was another way Roscoe brought his family together.

Besides fishing, Roscoe dedicated many years to coaching and coordinating Little League baseball for James Marshall Elementary. He served as a father figure to numerous boys while coaching them in baseball. He was always available to take kids to the river to catch catfish and enjoy hotdogs over a fire. Later, he coached his grandson's baseball teams for Ceres Youth Baseball. Roscoe was also involved in the Boy Scouts of America and taught Hunter Safety courses.

In his later years, as his health declined, Roscoe found joy sitting in the garage, working on rods, and visiting with those who stopped by. He was always ready to share a fish story or have a conversation. He cherished holidays and any occasion to gather with family and friends. While fishing was a passion, Roscoe was most proud of his family. He loved to share stories about his children and grandchildren, and attended any event they were involved in.

Today, we celebrate a life well-lived, filled with love, and hard work. His memory will live on, and his spirit and legacy will remain in our hearts and in the hands of those fortunate enough to have a fishing rod made or repaired by him. May he rest in peace.

A visitation for Roscoe will be held Tuesday, July 2, 2024 from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Lakewood Funeral Home, 900 Santa Fe Ave, Hughson, CA 95326. A funeral service will occur Wednesday, July 3, 2024 from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM, 900 Santa Fe Ave, Hughson, CA 95326. A graveside service will occur Wednesday, July 3, 2024 from 1:00 PM to 1:30 PM, 900 Santa Fe Ave, Hughson, CA 95326.