Scott Hamilton Shott

Scott Hamilton Shott, 92, of New Harbor, Maine, died peacefully at home on March 30, 2019, surrounded by the loving presence of his family and caregivers. Scott was born in Bluefield, West Virginia, along with a twin brother, Hugh Ike Shott, who arrived 20 minutes earlier. Scott’s graduation from Beaver High School in 1944 was followed by his immediate enlistment, with his twin, in the U. S. Navy. They served as electricians' mates on the same ship in the Pacific fleet. At that time World War II was coming to an end, and their ship was under orders to support the troops en route to invade Japan. Upon returning home, Scott enrolled at West Virginia University in Morgantown, WV. He graduated in three years and entered law school at Washington and Lee University in 1949. After graduation, while waiting to take the New York bar exam, he worked as a tour guide at Radio City Music Hall. Within a year, Scott was working as an attorney for NBC. Shortly thereafter, while walking down Fifth Avenue, he was introduced to Joy Hall, an American Airlines stewardess from southern California. In the mid-1950s, Scott was transferred to NBC in Burbank, CA, where he worked as a contract attorney. Because he didn't know many people on the west coast, Joy and her mother would invite him to dinner when Joy's flight schedule had her in town. One thing led to another, and they were married on September 22, 1956. Within five years, they welcomed three children, Cary, Robin and Scott. In 1965, the call of Scott's mountain home (and the opportunity to work with his brothers), caused them to move to Bluefield. There he worked as an attorney for several family companies including the Daily Telegraph Printing Company, WHIS TV and Radio, the Bluefield Gas Company, Gas Service, Inc., and the Paper Supply Company. Over the years he served as a director and officer with other businesses, nonprofit and civic organizations including: The First National Bank of Bluefield, Bluefield Health Systems, Inc., the Bluefield Regional Medical Center Foundation, the Hugh Shott Jr. Foundation, the United Way (President 1970), and the Bluefield Chamber of Commerce (President 1984). He was a life-long Rotarian and was honored as a Paul Harris Fellow in 1986. He is also remembered for his leadership role in racially integrating the Rotary Club and Fincastle Country Club. In 1989 Scott and Joy purchased a cottage on John's Bay in New Harbor, Maine. With the crashing surf and incredible sunsets, it became their cherished summer home before they returned to West Virginia each fall. In 2013, Scott and Joy moved to their cottage full time, with most of the family living 20 minutes away. At family dinners, Scott would often say, "Family is the most important thing in life." And he was well-known for gently correcting someone's grammar and offering grace before the meal. Predeceased by his brothers Ned, Jimmy, and John Cary Shott and his granddaughter, Rachel Golaski; he is survived by this wife of 62 years, Joy; his daughters Cary of St. Helena, CA, and Robin and her husband Glenn of Bremen, ME; Scott and his wife Heidi of Newcastle, ME; his twin brother Hughie of Gainesville, GA; his grandchildren, Sara Golaski of Maui, HI; Martin Shott of Providence, RI; and Colin Shott of Washington, D.C.; and several nieces and nephews. Many thanks for the tender care of the caregivers over the past few years, especially Lori and Betty. A memorial service will be held on Sunday, April 14, at 2 p.m. at Mercer Funeral Home in Bluefield, WV. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts can be made to the Mercer County Animal Shelter.

Scott Hamilton Shott

June 23, 1926 - March 31, 2019