LISTEN: Former U.S. Rep. David Scott lay in state Friday at the Georgia Capitol. First elected to Congress in 2002, Scott was seeking his 13th term to represent his metro Atlanta district before he died April 22 at the age of 80. GPB's Amanda Andrews has the story.
Former U.S. Rep. David Scott lay in state Friday at the Georgia Capitol.
First elected to Congress in 2002, Scott was seeking his 13th term to represent his metro Atlanta district before he died April 22 at the age of 80.
He was the first Black chairman of the U.S. House of Representatives Agriculture Committee until 2023, and served as ranking member during his last term. In Congress, Scott was an advocate for rural development and food assistance programs.
Before serving in Congress, Scott served in the state legislature for nearly three decades. Former state Rep. Calvin Smyre was sworn in at the same time as Scott. He reflected on that period of the late congressman’s career during his memorial.
"I can still hear that strong commanding voice, an orator with a touch of preaching in him," Smyre said. "To me then, it was clear he was destined to speak, not just with authority and clarity, but also with conviction and purpose. As a state representative, David stood firmly for the voiceless."
Shortly before his death, Scott faced criticism for running for another term despite his declining health.
A service for Scott was held Friday morning in the Capitol Rotunda and the public paid their respects until 5 p.m.
The memorial included remarks by his family, Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens, Smyre, former Atlanta mayor Bill Campbell, and U.S. Rep. Maxine Waters.
Waters spoke about his leadership in Congress around complex agricultural bills.
"I voted with David Albert Scott, because I believe that whatever the complications were, whatever the problems were, that he had worked to try and bring the two sides together and that he has done the best job that could be done," she said.
Former Ambassador Andrew Young delivered the eulogy. He reflected on the political legacy Scott built that will live on into the future.
"I know this: God is not through with us yet," Young said. "That through David Scott, through all of the leadership that has walked these halls and served this nation and built this city in this state, in this nation, God is not through with us yet."
Funeral services for Scott will take place Saturday at Elizabeth Baptist Church in Atlanta. Instead of flowers, the family is asking for donations to be sent to the David A. Scott Foundation. The money will go towards scholarships for students in Scott’s district attending historically Black colleges. Donations can be sent to 162 Hurt St NE, Atlanta, GA 30307.
