Rep. David Scott honored in memorial service at Georgia capitol

ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) — Georgia began two days of tributes on Friday to the late David Scott, the longtime metro Atlanta congressman who recently passed away at the age of 80.

As ordered by Gov. Brian Kemp, Scott will lie in state on Friday in the rotunda of the state capitol until 5 p.m.

A memorial service was held Friday for Scott that was attended by more than a dozen congressional delegation members, including Georgia U.S. Reps. Hank Johnson, D-4; Nikema Williams, D-5; and Lucy McBath, D-6.

Georgians gathered at the state Capitol Friday to pay tribute to U.S. Rep. David Scott, who lay in state in the Capitol rotunda, one of the highest honors the state can offer.

Mourners filed past Scott’s casket in a mood that was somber, but also proud.

Ambassador Andrew Young gave the eulogy. He said Scott’s impact went beyond his resume, pointing to Scott’s faith and character. “He walked around with a Bible all the time and when he had a moment, he would sit and read,” Young said.

During the service, the hymn “Precious Lord, Take My Hand” played as honor guards marched, calling out commands as they moved through the rotunda.

Scott’s daughter, Marcye Scott, remembered her father as a natural behind the microphone.

“We’re used to my father being behind the podium. He never met a mic he didn’t like,” she said.

Calvin Smyre, who said he and Scott were sworn in together, called Scott a powerful speaker.

“Public office is not about power. It’s about purpose,” Smyre said.

U.S. Rep. Maxine Waters said Scott became an advocate for people who often felt shut out.

“The minorities in agriculture all of a sudden had a real friend,” Waters said.

Young said Scott’s dedication didn’t stop when he left Washington.

“He loved his work. He loved the people he represented,” Young said. “When he came home, it wasn’t time off — it was time to serve.”

U.S. Rep. Austin Scott said David Scott’s determination endured even as his health declined.

“His body wore out before his spirit did,” he said.

U.S. Rep. Sanford Bishop remembered Scott’s long record of service.

“He gave so much for so long,” Bishop said, calling him “the epitome of a public servant.”

Scott’s funeral will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday at Elizabeth Baptist Church in Atlanta.

Scott represented parts of metro Atlanta in the U.S. House since 2003, most recently in the 13th congressional district, which covers parts of six metro Atlanta counties: Clayton, Henry, Rockdale, Newton, DeKalb and Gwinnett.

Before Congress, Scott served in the Georgia Senate from 1983 to 2003 and was active in state and local civic leadership in the Atlanta area.

Scott was a graduate of Florida A&M University and earned a master’s degree from the University of Pennsylvania. After earning his MBA, Scott founded Dayn‑Mark Advertising, where he worked with corporate clients in media and production work. His firm created and performed in the Georgia PBS Emmy-winning production, “Langston!”

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