John Fay Scott
Mr. John Fay Scott age 72 of Lebanon and Murfreesboro passed away January 15, 2023, at American House. Born August 19, 1950, he was the son of the late John Fay Scott and Rose Nell Carmack Scott. He retired from Bridgestone in Lavergne with twenty years of service and the Army National Guard 269th Murfreesboro with the rank of Master Sergeant E-8 with twenty years of service. He was a member of Beckwith Missionary Baptist Church.
He was preceded in death by three brothers: Charles Carmack, Edward, and Billy Scott; three sisters: Bessie and Virginia Scott and Dortha Williams.
Survivors include his wife, Kathy Goolsby Robinson Scott; three children: Amy (Rod) Deberry, Ryan (Maria) Scott, Chad Scott; step-daughter, Tina (Anthony) Driver; seven grandchildren: Will and Matthew Deberry, Ben, Penelope and Hudson Scott, Alec and Mason Scott; two brothers: Elmer (Diane) Scott, George (Donna) Scott; sister, Thelma Rogers.
Family and friends will assemble for graveside services with full military honors on Wednesday, January 18, 2023, at 11 a.m. at the Conatser Cemetery on Berea Church Rd., Lebanon, with Eld. Danny Tomlinson officiating.
LIGON & BOBO FUNERAL HOME, in charge of arrangements.
I only had the opportunity to interact with John from my time in the TNARNG from November 1989 – October 1993. I would go back to the Active Duty Army just months later, in March of 1994, but memories of John’s leadership by example and his never-failing friendship live on.
John kept our Commo Group in stitches during our monthly drills, and he really set the example for us all to follow during our deployment to Saudi Arabia for Operation Desert Shield – Desert Storm, from September 1990 – March 1991. John never let his rank go to his head, as he rolled up his sleeves and worked with the rest of us when there was work to be done. John was an outstanding NCO, always leading by example, and I continue to try to emulate him to this day.
John was always quick with a joke to break any tensions, and he was available to listen to a Soldier’s struggles. John always offering great advice, too, never doing so in a condescending or arrogant matter. I remember John being there for another RAOC Brother during our Christmas Dinner on the Dhahran Base. The realization of being away from the Soldier’s Family during Christmas was too much for the Soldier, and he excused himself for a few minutes. John made sure that Soldier was okay shortly thereafter, cracking him and the rest of our Commo team up with some timely jokes. That was simply John being John. He set the spirit of good will, friendship, and hard work for the rest of us to follow, and I love my Brother for doing so.
John also helped keep me gainfully occupied during some tedious moments during our Deployment by letting me use his Game Boy, which was quite often! John joked that he would start charging me rent for my constant use of his football program, but he always offered a game or a book, along with something more valuable: his time and friendship. I cannot help but smile at the memories of such a great friend and Brother, and he helped add so many positives far away from home.
Will, my eldest son and Desert Storm Baby, was born at Baptist Hospital in Nashville on 17 December 1991. Being a brand new Father, I was not able to make that month’s Drill, and the Unit supported us fully. That said, NO ONE would have counted John Scott absent during mine and Lynne’s time with Will at the Hospital. Still, John found out where we were, and visited us with gifts, and I have a picture of my Brother holding our Newborn so long ago that I will cherish forever.
Yes, John Led by Example…Always!
John Scott was…John Scott IS a great Friend and Brother. I say He Is, because of his Faith and Salvation of Jesus Christ – Our Risen Lord and Savior that John beholds today and forever! John is more Alive now than ever before!
I last spoke with John on the phone about 3 years ago, and I am so sorry that I never got to see my Brother face-to-face on this earth again.
That said, I will meet my Brother on God’s High Ground one day, and we will have an Eternity to get reacquainted once more in the presence of the Lord. I look forward to that day!
Until then, we will remember John with pride and gratitude – MSG Scott, this Retired Army Chaplain salutes You! I love you, My Brother!
V/R,
JOHN C. CAREY
MAJOR (RETIRED) USA
Trust in the LORD with all your heart,
And lean not on your own understanding;
In all your ways acknowledge Him,
And He shall direct your paths.
– Proverbs 3:5-6 (NKJV)