John L. "Paw" Scott

The Life, Love and Legacy……

“I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith:  Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them that also love his appearing.” II Timothy 4:7-8

In life one can be taken on a journey to a place and time that is not on any map, the reflection and passion to help others will remain a part of the life, love and legacy of Mr. John L. Scott (aka; Paw, John Bunny and Bunny Hop). He was born in the Strong/Ebenezer Community to Grady B. Norman and Erma Winright O’Guinn on March 8, 1938.

He confessed Christ at an early age and was baptized at the Ebenezer Baptist Church in Strong, Arkansas where he served diligently as a Usher, finding joy and laughter with each person that entered the house of the Lord until his health declined. He loved his church and the Ebenezer community that played a vital part in his Christian values, integrity that resulted in a solid, loving, and caring family environment. He was a 1957 graduate of Gardner High School in Strong, Arkansas.

John L. was an extremely hard worker and a great provider for his family.  He worked in several plants; Georgia Pacific and Lion Oil.  In later years, he joined Smith and Scott Logging, Inc. and felt that he could successfully be a huge asset to that business by merging it with his own business; Scott Saw Shop which enabled him to repair, sharpen and sell top of the line chain saws. Being a dynamic business entrepreneur, he and his wife, Janice opened a small grocery store in the Pine Grove Community which sold a variety of groceries and every Friday and Saturday Scott’s Barbeque was patronized by people far and near and a hefty portion was a understatement because your plate was filled with love.  It was during these times when he mentored his children and taught them diligent work ethics and the value of hard work and high standards. The customers was always served with love, care and respect.

His favorite past time other than spending time with his family, friends, grandbabies and great grands, was hunting, farming and fishing.  Harvesting his garden and “pulling in those huge bream” was his greatest passion. He knew where every fish was in any lake that he went to.  There was always fresh produce at the Scott house and not to mention the “watermelons” that were so sweet that you, “rake the sugar off”.  Home grown tomatoes, squash, cucumbers, peas, corn, cabbage/collard greens, potatoes and his favorite zucchini was a delicious delicacy everyone yarned for.  During hunting season, he was a member of Pine Grove Deer Club where he took pride in killing deer, getting it processed and ready for the freezer, which was another way of providing for his family. His home was always a place open to the public and where love abided.  You could count on being received well, treated hospitably and fed like a king. His legacy of family togetherness, renaming  children, hospitality and community will live on in the hearts of his loved ones and friends.

On Wednesday, June 6, 2018, Paw surrendered his soul to Christ at the John H. Williamson Hospice House in El Dorado, Arkansas. His parents, wife; Janice Smith Scott, brothers; Willie O’Guinn, L. T. O’Guinn, Wardell O’Guinn, Bo Norman; sister, Felma Norman, Maternal , Paternal grandparents, his in-laws; Perciel and Trenie Smith, daughter in law; Patricia Miller, God-son; Steve Howard and special friend; Robert “Truck” Loggins all precede him in death. 

His memories will be cherished by; three daughters; Vickie Willis, Kristi Newton and Kayla Gatson all of Strong, Arkansas.  Two sons; Kenneth Miller of Rockford, Illinois and Eric Scott of Strong, Arkansas.  One sister; Mary Frances Furlow (Clark) of El Dorado, Arkansas and one brother; Willie Carl Norman (Veronica) of Lancaster, California.  His brother-in-law’s; Percy Lee Smith (Cindy) and Donald T. Smith (Relda) both of Strong, Arkansas.  Two sister-in-law’s; Majorie O’Guinn of Strong, Arkansas and Everlean O’Guinn of Crossett, Arkansas.  His caregiver; Victoria Powell of Strong, Arkansas.  He also leaves fifteen grandchildren, seventeen great grandchildren, God children; Marilyn Champion of El Dorado, Arkansas and Shaunderic “Sannderic” Bean of Strong, Arkansas and  a host of, aunts, uncles, extended family and friends who loved him dearly and will truly miss him.

Active pallbearers will be Gerald Smith, Tracy Leichmon, Victor Bean, Bennie Howard, George Loggins, Kenneth Dixon, James Benton and Martin Pickett. Honorary pallbearers will be Pine Grove Deer Club, Keith Edgars, Anthony Foreman, Glenn Hammons, Ted Barnes, Theo Jarrett, John Strong, Big Luke, Michael Reynolds, Percy Lee Smith, Donald T. Smith, Greg Heard, Michael Gordon, Granville D. Smith, Dedrick Bean, Kenya Smith, Ed Dixon, Mike Bolton, Corey Ellison, Tony Miller, Michael Jimmerson, Reginald Johnson, Fredrick Baker, Jimmy Leichmon, Otis Greer and Kevin Smith.

Public visitation will be on Friday, June 15, 2018 from 11:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. at Sims Mortuary. The family hour will be from 6:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m. at Ebenezer Baptist Church in Strong, Arkansas. A celebration of his life will be at 11:00 a. m. on Saturday, June 16, 2018 at Ebenezer Baptist Church. Interment will be at Ebenezer Baptist Church Cemetery  under the direction of Sims Mortuary. Sign the guestbook online at www.simsmortuary.com