Scott Roy Daugherty

Mr. Scott R. Daugherty passed away peacefully at home on July 6th, surrounded by his loving family. He lived a long, meaningful, and impactful life, marked by service, dedication, and deep compassion for others.

Born in Washington D.C. on June 11, 1943; Scott attended military school in Michigan, and Palo Alto High School in Palo Alto, California. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Miami University, and a Juris Doctorate from the University of Florida. He also pursued academic studies at Wake Forest University and Howard University. He served with honor in the US Army during the Vietnam War. One of his favorite roles throughout this era was working as a camp counselor for a Washington, D.C. organization dedicated to supporting underprivileged children, an early expression of the values that would shape his life.

Inspired by President Kennedy’s call to service, Scott devoted most of his career to economic development, where he found both intellectual challenge and a calling: to uplift people and communities facing adversity. He held key positions at the Delta Foundation in Greenville, Mississippi, and at Freddie Mac in Washington, D.C.

But it was in North Carolina, in 1984, that Scott found his professional home. As the founding Executive Director of the North Carolina Small Business and Technology Development Center (SBTDC), he led the organization for 36 years—helping it grow into one of the state’s most impactful agencies for small and mid-sized businesses. Scott worked tirelessly alongside thousands of colleagues, advocates and partners, all of whom he considered his second family. He loved the mission, the work, and above all, the people.

In recognition of his dedicated service, Scott received The Old North State Award in 2009 from Governor Beverly Perdue, and The Order of the Long Leaf Pine in 2020 from Governor Roy Cooper.

Above all else, Scott’s greatest legacy is his family. He is survived by Deborah, his beloved wife and partner of 50 years; his daughter Megan; his son Brett and daughter-in-law Mon; and his grandsons Quinn and Felix. To them, and to those who knew him, he will be remembered for his humility, as an inspiration, a role model, always ready for a laugh, and a true North Star. His memory will be cherished always.

In lieu of flowers or a formal ceremony, please do post on Scott's memorial page at Brown-Wynne, make a small donation to the charity of your preference, or contact the family at [email protected]