Gerald Stancel Scott

Gerald Stancel Scott - “Scotty” to everyone who knew him - passed away Thanksgiving morning, November 22, 2012. Born on November 3, 1929, the 11th of 12 children, to Ida & Henry K. Scott of Skipperville, AL, Scotty went from a boy on a farm in Alabama to a teen singer in an award-winning gospel quartet. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy at age 18 yrs., becoming a sailor & eventually an officer, dedicating 20 yrs. of service to God & Country.

A graduate of Naval Nuclear Power Training Command - Nuclear Power School, Scotty was instructed by Admiral H. G. Rickover. He was one of a hand-picked group who served on the USS Bainbridge (DLGN-25) during Operation Sea Orbit, the 1964 around-the-world cruise of the United States Navy's Task Force One. Scotty became a part of history as the very first all-nuclear-powered ship steamed 30,565 miles unrefuelled around the world for sixty-five days, along the same course as The Great White Fleet took 2 yrs. to circumnavigate the globe in 1907-09. Scotty is forever noted in history as a plank owner and past-president of the USS Bainbridge Association. His years of service include many commendations and medals for meritorious service as well as tours of duty in the Korean War, Vietnamese Conflict and Cold War Conflict. In his last two years of service, he trained recruits at the U.S. Naval Recruit Training Command in San Diego, CA.

Upon his retirement from the U.S. Navy, Scotty began a 26 yr. career with General Electric Company. As an Engineer and then as Service Manager for GE Power Generation, he was an integral part of the team that built Palo Verde Nuclear Plant in Arizona. An avid golfer, master welder and the luckiest fisherman & gambler to grace a lake or table, he spent his retirement years enjoying these pursuits and creating beautiful stained glass works of art that he gave away to fortunate family and friends. Eleven and a half years prior to his passing, Scotty suffered a massive stroke which caused severe paralysis. Exhibiting tremendous fortitude, he regained his speech but mobility remained a struggle. He and his devoted wife, Elizabeth, spent the ensuing years in healthcare and social pursuits.

We mourn the loss of a proud and loving husband and a kind and loving father, grandfather & friend who was always ready to help rather than to judge, no matter the situation. We were all blessed to know an amazing man, uncomplicated and generous, who touched so many lives. Scotty is survived and dearly missed by his loving wife Elizabeth, his daughters Vicki (Paul) Junker of Sparks, NV and Elizabeth (Bret) Kaiser of Phoenix; brothers Max Scott and Auburn Scott of Alabama, 10 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren.

Visitation will be held Wednesday, Nov. 28, 2012, 4:00-7:00 p.m. at Phoenix Memorial Park Chapel, 200 W. Beardsley Road, Phoenix, AZ 85027. Funeral Service and burial with full Military Honors will be Thursday, Nov. 29, 2012, 11:00 a.m. also at Phoenix Memorial Park Chapel. A reception celebrating his life will follow at the Pointe In Tyme located at the Pointe Tapatio Cliffs Resort & Golf Course. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Gerald S. Scott’s name to: Ronald McDonald House Charities of Phoenix, 501 W. Roanoke Ave., Phoenix, AZ 85004 or via this link:

https://rmhcphoenix.ejoinme.org/MyPages/DonationPage/tabid/27234/Default.aspx