George Scott Place

Scott was the son of the late Dr. Robert A. Place, DVM, and Betty M. Place. He lived a life marked by service, hard work, family, and a genuine kindness that never needed attention or recognition.

Scott proudly served his country in the United States Army, retiring as a Lieutenant Colonel. Even after his military career ended, his service did not. He continued his career through the United States Civil Service, eventually retiring as a Supervisor Telecommunications Specialist.

He was also a proud graduate of The Ohio State University, where he earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in Communications and was a member of the Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity. He later earned his Master’s degree in Communications from Florida State University. He was also a member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles.

And if you knew Scott, you knew being an Ohio State graduate wasn’t just something on his résumé. He was a Buckeye through and through.

Football season brought plenty of friendly trash talk between Scott and his grandsons, especially when Ohio State and Georgia or Florida were involved. They were never going to convince the other that their team was better, but that was half the fun. Those are the little conversations and moments that become priceless when someone is gone.

Scott knew how to enjoy life. He loved following Ohio State football and NASCAR, trips to the casino, traveling to Aruba, Mexican food on Friday night where the staff knew his order without asking, a shrimp chimichanga with a cold Coors or Miller Lite.

But as much as Scott loved his Buckeyes, Aruba, the casino, or a cold beer, the greatest parts of his life were the people in it.

Scott was first married to Cheryl Ann Spray, who preceded him in death. Together they had their son, Martin Scott Place. He later married Jeanine “Boots” Howard Higgins and became a loving part of her family, including her daughters, Denise Mathews and Dena Rehberg.

There was something special about Scott and his Boots. The love he had for her didn’t end when she passed away, and while losing Scott leaves another empty place here, there is some comfort in believing that their time apart is finally over. Scott and his Boots are together again.

Scott was a proud grandfather of five, great-grandfather of eleven, and great-great-grandfather of one. He loved his family deeply, and he showed that love in the quiet, steady way that was simply who he was. Those who knew him will remember a giving, gracious, and humble man, and someone who didn’t need to make a big production out of helping others or showing that he cared. He just did.

Scott was preceded in death by his parents, Dr. Robert A. Place and Betty M. Place; his sister, Jane E. Place; his wives, Cheryl Ann Spray and Jeanine “Boots” Howard Higgins; and his granddaughter, Eva L. Mathews.

He is survived by his son, Martin Scott Place; his stepdaughters, Denise Mathews and Dena Rehberg; five grandchildren; ten great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; his brother, Robert A. Place of Phoenix, Arizona; and many other family members and friends who were fortunate enough to know and love him.

We know there will be plenty of things that will always make sure Scott’s memory is always alive. A Saturday watching Ohio State, NASCAR races, Mexican food on a Friday night, a cold Coors or Miller Lite, a trip to the casino, or talking about Aruba.

Scott will be cremated, and his ashes will be interred at Hillcrest Memorial Park in Augusta.

He will be deeply missed, but his family will carry forward the love, generosity, laughter, and memories he left behind. And maybe the thought that brings the most peace is imagining the reunion that was waiting for him with his Boots by his side once again, his parents Robert & Betty, sister Jane, and granddaughter Eva waiting to welcome him home.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to a charity or organization of the donor’s choice in Scott’s memory.