William "Gene" Eugene Scott

SCOTT, WILLIAM EUGENE "GENE," born on January 10, 1951, passed on January 5, 2011, while flying his airplane, one of the many things that he loved to do. He has been called a hero by the neighborhood in which he crashed because he narrowly avoided the homes as his plane came down. He was an avid hunter and fisherman, and he was never happier than when on the river bank in Alaska, or on the hillside at his home. A devoted father and husband, Gene left many happy memories of travels and adventures in the lives of many who knew him, and particularly his wife, daughters and son-in-law. He was fearless, and traveled all over the world, navigating other countries as easily as he did Alabama. Gene is survived by his wife of 36 years, Karen Joan Baird Scott; daughters, Erica Jean Scott Neel, 31, Bethany Louise Scott, 27; and son-in-law, Preston Hunter Neel, 32. He was preceded in passing by his dearly beloved mother, Lillie Louise Hughes Scott, and his dearly beloved sister, Deborah Jo Scott Sides. Gene is also survived by his father, Charles William Scott; sister, Sharon Ann Scott Chapman; sister, Barbara Kaye Scott Brantley; brother, Steve Randall Scott (Teresa K. Scott); sister, Nancy Renee Scott Fricke; and many nephews, nieces, uncles, aunts, and cousins. Gene was the owner of PeeWee's Jewelry and Pawn, and he also co-owned Scott Gold Company, Inc. until its dissolution after more than 25 years in business. He was widely known in the jewelry and pawn industry all over the world, and beloved by many for his sense of humor, his encyclopedic knowledge, and his willingness to help anyone who asked him for advice. As a land developer in the last few years, he also became known in the homebuilding industry. He was very hands on, and was dubbed by one of our realtors as "the hardest working man in Shelby County." Gene's family was his greatest love, his joy at the impending birth of his first grandchild was unsurpassed, and he dearly loved his granddog, Ralphie. He will be remembered for his seemingly endless energy and his sense of adventure.

Visitation will be from 12 noon to 2 p.m. on Sunday, January 9, 2011 at Ridout's Southern Heritage Funeral Home in Pelham. The funeral service will be at 2 p.m. the same day in Southern Heritage Chapel, Pelham, and the private gravesite service will immediately follow in Southern Heritage Cemetery, Pelham. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial gifts be made to the American Cancer Society or the Shelby County Humane Society.