Walter Ray Scott

Former Natchitoches Mayor, Walter Ray Scott, Sr. passed away February 23, 2008 at 9:00 am at Schumpert Hospital in Shreveport, LA. Mr. Scott was preceded in death by his wife of 50 years Mrs. Betty Jean McCarthy Scott and his son Mr. Walter Ray Scott, Jr. Mr. Scott was born on March 19, 1923 to Mary D. Scott in Pleasant Hill, LA. He Later served four years in the Army, being stationed in Iwo Jima. When he returned, he received a four year basketball scholarship to Northwestern State University, where he graduated with a degree in business. NSU is where he met his wife, Betty Jean McCarty Scott, and in 1947 began what became a wonderful 50 year long marriage. Ray and Betty were outstanding and caring parents to six children, including Walter Ray Scott, Jr., Marianne Scott James, Tommy Scott, Nancy Scott Long, Joseph Kent Scott, Jeannie Scott. Mr. Scott achieved many accomplishments in his life including being the Mayor of Natchitoches for 16 years, Finance Commissioner for 4 years, founder and owner of Cane River Insurance for 49 years, and he was on the Board of Directors of City Bank and Trust Company for 28 years. He worked with Governor Edwards in expanding Northwestern State College to the present day Northwestern State University. He also established a freshwater supply for Natchitoches from Sibley Lake, and was one of the founding members of the Agitators Club. He also enjoyed his time in the Kawanis Club for many years. Mr. Scott is survived by a loving family including five of his children, sixteen grandchildren and six great grandchildren. He will be miss forever dearly. The visitation ceremony will take place on Tuesday, February 26 from 5pm-8pm at the Blanchard St. Denis Funeral Home in Natchitoches. The funeral will follow on Wednesday at 10am. Mr. Scott's pallbearers will include Sonny Thomas, Mickey Hennigan and grandsons, Derek James, Scott James, Trey Scott, Cale Scott, Rush Scott and Keith Rushing.