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In Memory Of Our Poets

John L. Scott (1946-2015) - Class Of 1964

John L. Scott, 68, passed from this world, Thursday, February 5, 2015. He didn't leave easily, saying until his last breath, 'I'm not ready to go.' John had his plan, his Lord had another.  Scott fought an uphill battle for the past eight years, defeating infirmities that would have taken most men long ago. 

He was born in Birmingham, Alabama, September 4, 1946, the son of Forrest and Myrtle (Hollis) Scott. He attended Sidney Lanier High School in Montgomery, Alabama, where he obtained some repute on the baseball and football fields.

He gained admission to Georgia Tech and upon graduating entered the University of Georgia as a law student. With a degree in hand, he opened a law office in Branford, Florida. He retired in 2000 and moved to Gainesville in 2002. He had an unusual career, marked with difficult cases. He also was the attorney for the City of Branford and was a member of the Rotary Club. He was also a dedicated FSU fan.

Scott was dedicated to civil freedoms and marched to Selma with ML King, although later admitting he walked only the last 100 years.

Loving outdoors activity, his communes with the wild were legend, harvesting quail, dove, ducks, geese, while patrolling the salt water for trout, red fish and grouper. His boon companions, hunting dogs, departed many years ago to the canine kingdom. Remaining behind is Bullet, his steadfast German Shepherd.

He knew that 1,000 roads lead to the wilderness but only one road leads home...taking that highway last week.

Marlo Scott, his wife lives in Gainesville, along with stepsons, James, Avery and Alec Bachman. His daughter, Sarah Elizabeth Johnson (Derek) and her daughters, Isabel Sophia and Stella Beck reside in Jacksonville Beach. Preceded in death by his sister, Susan Harper and her husband, Curtis. Their two children, Scott (Anna) Harper and Hollis (David) Wooley currently reside in Gainesville.

John also wanted to pay special tribute to his caregivers, Catherine and Norris Jenkins, employees who became loving friends.

Services will be held at 11:00am Thursday, February 12 at Forest Meadows 'Chapel in the Meadows', 4100 NW 39th Avenue, Gainesville, FL 32606 with Reverend Aaron Rousseau of Trinity United Methodist Church officiating. Graveside burial will follow. In lieu of flowers, donations should be forwarded to the St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

Arrangements are under the care of Forest Meadows Funeral Homes and Cemeteries, 725 NW 23rd Ave, Gainesville, FL 32609.  (352) 378-2528

Published in Gainesville Sun from Feb. 10 to Feb. 11, 2015.