[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 137 (Friday, August 18, 2023)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E782]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 TRIBUTE TO SENATOR JOHN L. SCOTT, JR.

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. JAMES E. CLYBURN

                           of south carolina

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, August 18, 2023

  Mr. CLYBURN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to a dedicated 
servant leader, good friend, and native son of South Carolina. South 
Carolina State Senator John L. Scott, Jr. transitioned from this life 
on August 13, 2023, in Charleston, South Carolina. His passionate work 
to improve access to education and health care will have profound 
implications for generations to come.
  Senator John L. Scott, Jr. was born on October 21, 1953, in Richland 
County, South Carolina, to the late John L. Scott, Sr. and Gracie W. 
Scott. Senator Scott graduated from C.A. Johnson High School in 
Columbia, South Carolina, and attended my alma mater, South Carolina 
State University, where he graduated in 1975 with a bachelor's degree 
in accounting. He would go on to found J.L. Scott Realty Company, Inc., 
in 1981 and serve as owner and President of C&S Consulting Group.
  I knew Senator Scott well through his transformational work in the 
state. From 1988 to 1990, he served as Vice Chair for Richland County 
Council. He was elected to the South Carolina House of Representatives 
in 1990, where he served until his election to the South Carolina State 
Senate in 2009. Throughout his nearly 33 years in elected office, 
Senator Scott sponsored legislation to promote access to education and 
affordable housing, improve career outcomes for HBCU students, and 
further rural equity. He was recognized with many awards and accolades 
throughout his service, from the Order of the Palmetto, South 
Carolina's highest civilian honor; to receiving the South Carolina 
National Guard Association Senator of the Year award; to receiving 
honorary Doctorates from various universities.
  His dedication to the betterment of the Palmetto State extended to 
our South Carolina Military Department, as Senator Scott commanded the 
Joint Services Detachment from February 18, 2017, to January 19, 2019. 
During that time, he actively recruited to increase enrollment, 
improved unit efficiency and readiness, and provided critical support 
for the Youth ChalleNGe Academy Program.
  Senator Scott was a man of faith and a longtime member of New 
Ebenezer Baptist Church in Columbia, South Carolina. He was an active 
participant in the church, serving as Church Clerk from 1980 to 1995, 
on the Trustee Board from 1980 to 2005, and as a Deacon from 2005 until 
his passing. He is lovingly remembered by his wife, Joan Crouch, son, 
John L. Scott, III, extended family, political colleagues, and the 
members of our shared brotherhood, Omega Psi Phi fraternity.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask that you and our colleagues join me in recognizing 
the life and legacy of Senator John L. Scott, Jr. Senator Scott 
embodied the Biblical teaching to ``Be devoted to one another in love. 
Honor one another above yourselves,'' and as such devoted his life to 
improving the welfare of every South Carolinian. He will be sorely 
missed and well remembered.

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