Thomas "Gene" Eugene Scott

WEST COLUMBIA—A celebration of the life and home-going of Thomas Eugene "Gene" Scott, Sr., will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, August 31, 2013 at Central Church of the Nazarene, located at 100 South Woodside Parkway, West Columbia, SC. The family will receive visitors from 6-8 p.m. on Friday, August 30, 2013, at Thompson Funeral Home, Lexington Chapel, 4720 Augusta Road, Lexington, SC 29073 Born January 1, 1932, Gene was the middle son of the late John "Robert" and Thelma Ivey Scott. Gene often joked that he thought his clothing size was 10-10-10, because much of it was sewn from fertilizer sacks. He married his bride of 60 years, Carolyn Jennings, on March 14, 1953. They first lived in an apartment that had been converted from chicken coops. Because Carolyn wanted to be a stay-at-home mom, Gene sometimes had to work two jobs to support his young family. He fought his way from poverty to a blue-collar life, determined that his three children would attend college. His children stand on his shoulders; all are college graduates. His grandchildren, who were the delight of his heart, are also college graduates and students. Gene loved Jesus, his family, his country, and his neighbor. His family was in church every Sunday. He taught his children the value of hard work, emphasizing the importance of striving for their best. He also emphasized the "three L's: Love, Laughter, and Loyalty". Gene loved camping, fishing, and hunting; he cherished opportunities to enjoy these activities with his children and his brothers. In addition to his wife Carolyn, Gene is survived by three children and their spouses, seven grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren: daughter Judy and son-in-law Frank DeFore of Jonesville, VA; son Thomas E. "Tommy" Scott, Jr. and daughter-in-law Jan, of West Columbia, SC; daughter Jeanie and son-in-law Tim Fisk of Chatham, VA. Grandchildren include Katie DeFore and husband Kal Khasawneh, of Little Rock, AK; Kory DeFore and wife Terah of Pensacola, FL; Tara Scott and Brad Scott of West Columbia, SC; Sarah George and husband Tyler of Kirksville, MO; Rachel Fisk and James Fisk of Chatham, VA. Great-grandchildren, with whom "Poppa" LOVED to Skype, include Rami and Julia Khasawneh, and John Franklin and Anna DeFore. Gene is also survived by his brothers, who were also his first hunting and fishing partners: J.R. Scott and wife Orena, Ben Scott and wife Dot, all of Lincolnton, GA. The veil is torn. The tomb is empty. He now sees face-to-face, what we see through a vapor. "Well done, good and faithful servant…come and share your master's happiness!" Family and friends may sign the on-line guest book at: www.thompsonsfuneral.com