Odis Marlin Dyess

Marlin “Scooter” Dyess, beloved husband, father, grandfather, businessman and a legendary name of the Alabama Crimson Tide, died peacefully as he entered God’s Hall of Fame and met his Master, Jesus Christ, on Friday, August 28, 2026 at Baptist South Hospital with his loving family by his side. He was 88.

A native of Elba, Alabama, Scooter was born on November 5, 1937 and raised on a small farm in rural Coffee County. At Elba High School, he was a Wigwam Wiseman All-American and first team all-state running back his junior and senior years. He joined the Crimson Tide and played for Coach Paul “Bear” Bryant his junior and senior years (1958-59), scoring the only touchdowns against Auburn in Coach Bryant first two years at the Capstone. He was the team’s Most Valuable Player his senior year and was Co-Captain with Jim Blevins. He played in the Liberty Bowl against Penn State, the Blue-Gray game in Montgomery and the Senior Bowl in Mobile.

While Scooter was known for his football career at Alabama, he was a committed and devout Christian, a man of integrity, character, humility, faithfulness and loyalty. He and his sweet wife, Lela Ann, became members of the First Baptist Church of Montgomery in 1967 and have served in many capacities in the church. Scooter has been director of the Poundstone Men’s Sunday School Class for 25 years and a deacon since 1975.

Dr. Jay Wolf, his pastor at First Baptist for decades, said, “Scooter was a football star for Alabama but an All-Star for his Savior. He was one of the finest, most joyful and faithful men I’ve ever encountered. Scooter’s sincere smile and Christ-like encouragement filled up countless rooms and hearts. In every season, sunshine or storm, he remained true to the Lord.” Dr. Karl Stegall, legendary Methodist pastor in Montgomery, said, “Scooter’s life has been marked by humility, perseverance, determination, and deep commitment to Jesus Christ. His love of God and his fellowman has been the hallmark of his life.”

Scooter married his high school sweetheart, Lela Ann, and they were married for 66 years. He is survived by his daughter, Lori Ann Shamblin (Keith), grandson Keith Shamblin, Jr. (Caleigh), and granddaughter Dorsey Ann Shamblin, and great grandsons Cooper Mac Shamblin and Henry Buck Shamblin all of Birmingham; one brother Tom (Elizabeth), Elba, and is preceded in death by his Mother and Dad, and three brothers, a sister and a great grandson William (Liam) Bennett Shamblin.

At Alabama, Scooter majored in Mechanical Engineering and was employed by Brown Engineering/Teletyne for seven years. For the next nine years, he was President and Partner of Pake-Dyess Sporting Goods Company. He spent most of his working life in the steel industry with Aseco Steel, Disco Aluminum Products and as a construction broker of steel products with his own company, Scooter Dyess & Associates.

His involvement in civic and charitable service was truly remarkable. He served on the boards of the Huntsville and Montgomery Quarterback Clubs, Montgomery Lions Club, Boys Club, the Alabama Sports Hall of Fame, American Heart Association, Jimmy Hitchcock Awards Committee, the Governor’s Physical Fitness Commission, and the Alabama Baptist Retirement Centers. Scooter served as President of the University of Alabama National “A” Club Association, and as a board member of the Alabama Red Elephant Club.

In 2012, Scooter became the recipient of the Paul Bryant National Alumni Award along with Johnny Musso, which was presented at the Alabama-Western Kentucky football game. Annually, the award recognizes athletes who have demonstrated outstanding accomplishments after leaving the university, focusing on character, contributions to society, professional achievements and service to others.

Coach Bryant gave Scooter his nickname. “I returned a punt against Tulane and when I came off the field, Coach Bryant hit me on the butt and said, ‘That’s how you do it, Scooter.’ He had never called me Scooter until then.” Coach Bryant once made another lasting comment to him, “Scooter, football comes easy for you.” There was no doubt that during Coach Bryant’s 25 years at Alabama, Scooter was one of his favorite players as a 5-6, 149-pound speedster as a halfback, pass receiver, punt and kickoff return man wearing No. 41. He led the team in pass receiving in both his junior and senior seasons.

In the 1959 Auburn game, Scooter scored on a 38-yard pass play from Robert Skelton for a 10-0 victory and was named the game’s MVP. Alabama ended the season with a 7-2-2 record and ranked 10th in the nation by the Associated Press. “The example that Scooter set through his leadership, dedication and commitment to football made him one of the key players that helped Coach Bryant turn Alabama’s football program around and even to the point of what it is today,” said Gary White, a longtime Associate Athletic Director who was manager of the team.

Scooter was the fastest player on the team. He also ran track for Alabama and in the Southeastern Conference track meet, he was edged out in the 100-yard dash by a nose by LSU’s Billy Cannon, also a Heisman Trophy winner.

Scooter also proved his love for his country as he served as an officer in the Alabama Air National Guard from 1960-1968. He served on active duty during the Berlin Crises in the early 1960’s.

God blessed Scooter with a wonderful life. He was a special kind of man who made the world a better place and had a world of friends. Each one cherished their friendship with him and were honored to know a man who came from a small farm in south Alabama to accomplish and achieve so much through great favor from the Lord. Nothing meant more to him that his strong relationship with Jesus Christ of which he lived all of his life. It can be said of Scooter, “Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints,” Psalm 116:15.

Funeral arrangements for Scooter will take place on Thursday, September 3. His celebration of life service will be held at the Montgomery First Baptist Church with visitation at 10:30 am and his service at 11:30 am. Pastor Mark Bethea and Dr. Jay Wolf will conduct Scooter’s service. He will be buried in the Greenwood Cemetery. Honorary pallbearers will be the Poundstond Sunday School Class. In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial gift to the First Baptist Church of Montgomery.

Written by Wayne Atcheson, former Alabama Sports Information Director and dear friend of Scooter Dyess.

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