Roll Call Tribute

Joseph Oscar Scott Jr, age 90, of Athens passed away on June 30, 2016. The family would like all of his friends to join them in a celebration of his life on Sunday July 3, 2016 at 2:00PM at the First United Methodist Church of Murchison, Texas. The family will receive friends at Carroll-Lehr Funeral Home on Saturday evening July 2, 2016 from 5:00-7:00 PM.

Joe was born in Murchison, Texas on March 17. 1926 to Joseph Oscar Scott Sr. and Emma Scott.

Joe was preceded in death by his parents, his wife of 55 years, Dessie Marcelle Scott, One son, Joseph Oscar Scott III and three brothers, Bill Sittel, R.D. Scott, Joe Bailey Scott, two sisters, Emma Jane Dickey and Madge Hoybook.

Survived to cherish his memory is one son, Sam Scott and wife Rhonda of Murchison. One daughter, Elizabeth Atkinson and husband Doug of Athens. Daughters-in-law Donna Laney of Murchison and Sue Rogers of Edom. Also survived are his grandchildren, Joseph Oscar Scott IV, Seth Daniel Scott, Lacey Elizabeth Moore, Clinton Richard Scott, Mary Danielle Scott, Naomi Marcelle Scott, Tom Oran Atkinson, Holley Royan Collier, and 13 great-grandchildren.

Joe always seemed to have his priorities in the right order. He was first and foremost a Christian man, and tried to live a righteous and moral life, because he believed he should set a Christ like example to those around him. His family was so important to him and he adored them all. He was such a hard worker and a great provider for all of them. He taught his children that through hard work that they could accomplish their goals and be successful in life. He also taught them to know the things that are really important in life, to be honest and not greedy and to treat everyone fairly. Not to love money, but to love one another and to live by the golden rule.
Joe was very proud of his wife Dessie and his children. Dessie was the love of his life and they were married for 55 years. Dessie passed away in 2006. Joe missed her terribly and often spoke longingly of the day they would see each other again for eternity. That wonderful thought makes this a glorious occasion, Hallelujah!

Joe lived an extraordinary life and touched many lives that it is impossible to recount all of them, nor would he particularly want to be bragged on. He was born into a modest family and although his life would take him all over the United States, in his heart he just wanted to be a dairy farmer and raise his family back in Murchison, were his roots were.

Sports, especially football would influence Joe's career. He was an all-state High school football player for Athens High School. He went on to be a star college football player at Texas A&M and the University of San Francisco. He was the first round draft pick of the New York Giants and played for seven years. He led the NFL in kickoff returns his rookie season and was also the leading rusher. After playing football, he began coaching. He coached a couple of years at East Texas State University before realizing that he could be more of a mentor to younger high school athletes. He served as head football coach at Cooper, Clarksville, Hondo, Breckenridge, and Seagoville High Schools were his players were taught much more than football. Coach Scott was tough on discipline and hard work habits and taught them teamwork, loyalty, respect, and fair play. Through the years his former players have come to see him and express their love and gratitude for what he meant to them.

Serving as pallbearers will be his grandsons, Joseph Oscar Scott IV, Seth Daniel Scott, Clinton Richard Scott, Tom Oran Atkinson, Cory Collier, and Michael Moore.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the First United Methodist church of Murchison.

If you would like to leave a message of condolence or light a memorial candle for the family, you may do so at www.carroll-lehr.com

Published on July 1, 2016

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