McKinley Scott, Jr.

“Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”

 Matthew 11:28-30

In the early morning of Wednesday, April 10, 2019, the train bound for glory made a stop at the Wm. Bryan Veterans Community Life Center, Columbia, South Carolina and departed with one of its faithful servants, Deacon McKinley Scott, Jr., at the notable age of 97. He was affectionately known as “Bubba”, and born October 25, 1921 in the town of Eastover, South Carolina as the oldest child of the late McKinley Scott, Sr. and Elease House Scott. 

He was educated in the public schools of Richland County.  He also further studied at Harbison Junior College, Irmo, South Carolina. Early on he developed a skilled trade as a carpenter and was responsible for overseeing the construction of many building projects in the Richland County area. He was employed with Langley Construction Company, Columbia, South Carolina as a foreman for many years.  He was also an avid farmer and enjoyed planting, harvesting and sharing the fruits of his labor throughout the community.  He notably served his country from 1945 to 1946 in the United States Navy during World War II. McKinley treasured the gift of life and often would acknowledge the goodness of God to him, his family and friends.

At an early age, he joined the Mt. Zion Baptist Church, Eastover, South Carolina where he served for many years. During his tenure, he served as a loyal church member/supporter and trustee. He was the recipient of the “Man of the Year” award in appreciation for serving as the builder/lead person during the construction of the Hardin-Scott Fellowship Hall.  He was chosen by the church as a person “of good report, full of the spirit and of wisdom,” which resulted in him being ordained as a Church Deacon by the Reverend Patrick W. Wise on October 25, 1998. Deacon McKinley was the eldest/senior deacon in the church and was known to be a person who would speak out firmly on his beliefs of the truth as it related to God’s word and his servants for kingdom building.

On March 9, 1957 he was united in holy matrimony to his loving wife Susanna J. Scott. They shared in their love for each other for 62 years. Many lovely things are destined to be with us for only a certain period of time. Each moment is precious and treasured.

 Deacon McKinley was preceded in death by his wife Susanna J. Scott; his sons, Thomas Scott and Don G. Hammond; and a daughter, Paula Scott. He leaves to cherish his precious memories; sons, William McKinley (Linda) Scott, III, Karl L. Scott, and Norman Scott of Eastover, South Carolina; Marion Scott of Bronx, New York, James (Sally) Sumpter of Hopkins, South Carolina; daughters Wanda Scott-Kinney and Loretta Scott of Eastover, South Carolina; Gloria Taylor (Alonzo) Portwine of Columbia, South Carolina; a daughter-in-law, Bernice G. Scott of Hopkins, South Carolina.  He will also be deeply missed by his brothers Rudolph Scott of Eastover, South Carolina and Willie Scott of Gadsden, South Carolina; sisters-in-law; Minnie Ruff Miller, Martha Sanders and Thomasina Scott of Columbia, South Carolina, Emma Lee and Mae Bertha Scott of Eastover, South Carolina; brother-in law, Enoch DeVeaux of Eastover South Carolina; twenty-two grandchildren;  twenty-six great grandchildren; nieces, nephews, cousins and a host of loving relatives and friends who will truly miss him. The life of a loved one who leaves a heritage of loving memories will be forever in our hearts.

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