Georgia honors late Congressman David Scott for 50 years of service

Georgia honors Rep. David Scott at State Capitol

Family and colleagues gathered at the Georgia State Capitol Friday to honor the 50-year public service legacy of the late U.S. Rep. David Scott.  

ATLANTA - The body of U.S. Rep. David Scott is lying in state at the Georgia State Capitol on Friday as dignitaries and family honor his 50-year legacy of public service.

Honoring a half-century of service

What we know:

Grieving family members, elected officials, and dignitaries gathered in the State Capitol Rotunda for a memorial ceremony Friday to pay tribute to the late congressman.

Scott passed away unexpectedly on April 22 at the age of 80, marking the end of a career that stretched from Georgia to Washington, D.C.

He spent over 20 years as the voice of Georgia’s 13th Congressional District and made history as the first Black lawmaker to chair the U.S. House Agriculture Committee.

Legacy of a political trailblazer

The backstory:

Scott’s political journey began in the same halls where he now lies in state, starting with his election to the Georgia House in 1974.

He moved to the State Senate in 1982 before taking his leadership to the federal level in 2002.

His 50 years of service allowed him to provide a voice for both farmers and local families across Georgia.

David Scott honored at Georgia Capitol memorial

A memorial service is underway at the Georgia State Capitol honoring longtime Congressman David Scott, who is lying in repose ahead of his funeral Saturday.

Colleagues and family remember a leader

What they're saying:

"To the world he was Congressman David Scott, a leader, a fighter, a man who gave his life to service," said family member Marcye Scott. "But to me, he was daddy."

Retired Georgia State Rep. Calvin Smyre noted that Scott led with conviction and was guided by both principle and compassion.

Congresswoman Maxine Waters of California said colleagues respected Scott and looked to him for advice and information throughout his career.

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• Congressman David Scott to lie in state at Georgia Capitol Friday
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What's next:

Funeral services for the congressman will take place at 11 a.m. on Saturday at Elizabeth Baptist Church on Cascade Road SW. 

In place of flowers, the family asks for donations to the David Scott Foundation. 

The organization provides financial help to high school seniors in Georgia's 13th Congressional District who are heading to an HBCU.