Bobby Ray Scott

Bobby Ray Scott passed away June 11, 2025, at the age of 86. He was born to Arther and Christine Scott on February 12, 1939, in Adair County, KY. Bobby married Edwanna Garmon of Columbia, KY, in August of 1960. He has two daughters, 6 grandchildren, and 3 great-grandchildren.

Bobby grew up in rural KY, spending time hunting and fishing with his beloved dog, Musky, attending one room schools, helping on the family farm, and having adventures with his cousins. He enjoyed marksmanship (especially when squirrels were involved), helping his parents in their store and garage, and working on and racing cars.

Bobby graduated from Adair County High School and Lindsey Wilson College, received his Bachelor of Science degree in elementary education from Campbellsville College in 1962, and his master’s degree from Western Kentucky University in 1965.

Bobby was an educator in Hardin County Schools for 35 years. He began teaching at Lincoln Trail Elementary in 1959, where he also coached the junior high basketball team with a record of 44 wins and 3 losses. (He liked to say the losses were just to keep the other teams hopeful!) He moved on to being the Assistant Principal at North Hardin Jr. High and was then named the first principal at Parkway Elementary School in 1970 at the age of 31. In 1978, Bobby returned to teaching at G.C. Burkhead Elementary School in Elizabethtown where he taught 5th grade and eventually PE. Bobby retired in 1994 to spend more time with his family.

Bobby was chosen as the Hardin County Outstanding Young Educator by the Elizabethtown Jaycees in the 1960s. He served as the president and vice-president of the Hardin Co. Teachers’ Association, helped implement President Kennedy’s Physical Fitness Program, and was recognized by President Kennedy for his service to education. In 1999, Bobby was named an honorable Kentucky Colonel by Governor Paul E. Patton.

Bobby’s Christian faith was an important part of his life. He was a member of Longview United Methodist Church, Locust Grove Baptist, and Immanuel Baptist churches. He taught Sunday School, was a lay leader, and a deacon. He was passionate about teaching Bible Study at the Hardin County Detention Center for 30 years. Bobby was a member of The Gideons International where he spoke in over 300 church services across the state. Additionally, he participated in speaker training, set up new camps, and held various leadership positions.

In his retirement, Bobby took up blackberry farming. He maintained about 3 acres of blackberries with over 600 plants. He loved working in the berries and hosting friends and neighbors to “u-pick”. He was proud when the extension agent told him he was one of the largest growers in the state of KY. He also enjoyed going to schools, nursing homes, and church groups giving entertainment programs where he shared magic tricks, jokes, and funny stories. He never met a stranger—just someone who hadn’t heard his jokes yet. In recent years, he enjoyed visiting Shoney’s and Mr. Gattis and telling jokes to people at the tables. He loved to make people smile.

Above all, Bobby loved his family. His daughters, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren were the light of his life. He taught them how to shoot, fish, play basketball and drive—bicycles, motorcycles, and cars! He spent many hours in his red truck in the field teaching the grandkids to drive. Bobby shared his joy of blackberry farming with them all, and they each enjoyed visiting during the summer to pick berries and help on the farm.

They had many adventures fishing and tubing on Green River Lake in his bass or pontoon boat. He was a great storyteller and kept them all entertained with his jokes and wild stories! Bobby loved to play games, and somehow, he always seemed to win! He enjoyed Rook, ping-pong, corn hole, and horseshoes to name a few. All his grandkids enjoyed learning these games and playing with him, even if they did have to play by “Papaw’s Rules”!

Bobby Scott will be remembered as a devoted servant of God who loved his family tremendously. He always held strong in his faith and brought many souls to the Lord. He continuously showed his love and devotion to his family and each member knew they were treasured by him.

Bobby was predeceased by his parents, Arther and Christine (Wilson) Scott and his sister Shelby Jean (Scott) Graham. He is survived by his wife, Edwanna (Garmon) Scott; daughters Tracey Scott (Mike) Kesseler and Tabitha Scott; grandchildren Michelle Kesseler (Dan) Barina, Trent Strobel, Laura Kesseler (Tyler) Williams, Allison Kesseler, Ethan Crawford, and Scott (Elena) Kesseler; great-grandchildren Henry, Eden, and Luke Williams; and niece Kimberly Graham Lucas.

Memorial service info: Brown Funeral Home, Elizabethtown, KY. Visitation will be Friday June 13th from 4 -8 PM and service on Saturday, June 14th at 11 AM.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Gideons International.

The family would like to thank all of Bobby’s friends for their support, as well as the nurses and staff at Sunrise Manor in Hodgenville for their kindness and care. We also want to thank the staff at Shoney’s for taking good care of him when he visited, as well as the patrons at Shoney’s and Mr. Gattis for listening to his stories and jokes. He was happiest when making someone smile. He will always be remembered for the joy and laughter he brought to others. Rest in peace, Dad. We know you’re up there telling big tales!