Rufus Forrest Scott, 80, died January 21 at home, surrounded by his loving family, following a courageous battle against ALS (Lou Gehrig's disease).

Forrest was born in Hemphill, West Virginia on April 29, 1931 to the late Rufus Bradley Scott and Edyth Shufflebarger Scott. He is predeceased by his brother, Bradley Thomas Scott.

He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Janice Bracey Scott; his son, Forrest Bracey Scott of Smithfield; his daughters, Jennifer Scott Miller and her husband David W. Miller of Vienna, Virginia and Amy Scott Frischling and her husband William J. Frischling of New York, New York; nine grandchildren, Bradley, Benjamin and Patrick Scott of Smithfield, Thomas, Anna and John Miller of Vienna, and Robert, Elizabeth and Andrew Frischling of New York; sisters and brothers-in-law including Betty Ann and Earl Richardson of Virginia Beach; Ben and Joyce Bracey of Suffolk; Barbara Dean and Ken Congleton of Smithfield; Glenda Carr and Kay Bracey of Windsor; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Forrest grew up in Radford, Virginia and served in the Air Force from 1951-1954, spending most of his time as a jet engine mechanic stationed in Japan during the Korean Conflict. He graduated from Virginia Tech in 1959 with a degree in Mechanical Engineering. Soon after, he began his career with Gwaltney, Inc. which brought him to Smithfield.

In 1972, he opened his own electrical and mechanical contracting company, R.F. Scott Mechanical, in Smithfield. He remained in business for 25 years until his retirement in 1997.
Forrest was awarded a lifetime membership in the Smithfield Rotary Club where he served as President and Governor's Assistant. He was a Paul Harris Fellow. His other affiliations were with the Smithfield Jaycees and the Isle of Wight Volunteer Rescue Squad.

A celebration of life service will be held on Tuesday, January 24th at 11:00am at Trinity United Methodist Church, Smithfield, officiated by Rev. Jeffery Cannon, followed by a reception in the church's Family Activity Center where the family will receive visitors. The reception will be followed by a private burial at Ivy Hill Cemetery.

Throughout his illness, the Hampton Roads Neurology Group led by Dr. H.B. Marsteller and the ALS Association of Virginia have been unwavering sources of support for Forrest and his family. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the ALS Association – DC/MD/VA Chapter, 7507 Standish Place, Rockville, MD 20855 or on line at www.alsinfo.org. Condolences may be registered on line at www.parrfuneralhome.com.