A leading light in the loyal institutions, a man of deep Christian faith and devoted to the education of young people, tributes have been paid to a County Armagh man who made such a contribution to local life in so many fields.
Billy Scott, of Ballygroobany Road, Richhill, was a familiar face to many within Armagh and far beyond, and his passing will have greatly saddened his loving family and all those who had the pleasure and privilege of knowing him.
William Hartford Scott – known to all as Billy – passed away peacefully at home yesterday (Friday).
He was a life-long member of both the Orange Order and Royal Black Institution.
Wor Bro Billy Scott received his 70 year service bar for membership of the Orange Institution just last year, at the Twelfth of July in Killylea.
A senior officer in the Royal Black Institution, Billy played a key role in the platform proceedings each year at the annual Sham Fight celebrations at Scarva. It was, for he, one of the highlights of the season.
He was a proud member of Milford Temperance and Benefit LOL 353; Past County Grand Master of Co Armagh Grand Black Chapter; and Past Imperial Grand Registrar of the Imperial Grand Black Chapter.
He was also a valued member of the Friends of Sloans House at Loughgall.
The County Armagh Grand Orange Lodge said it was “deeply saddened” at the passing of a “dedicated and life-long member of the Institution”, and added: “We extend our sincere condolences to his wife, son, daughters and the family circle.”
Billy was also deeply involved in the educational sector. He was a much-respected and valuable representative of the City of Armagh High School, having held the position of chairman of the Board of Governors for many years.
He loved to see young people being given the best possible chances on their walk through life, helping them make informed choices on their journey.
Within his church, he also worked widely with young people, helping to instil Christian values for many generations.
He was a member of the Mall Presbyterian Church, one of the key figures in the congregation, holding many positions over the decades.
Billy had fulfilled many roles and functions, from Sunday School Superintendent to Clerk of Session, his guidance, good counsel and inspirational leadership valued by the church and its members.
He was one of 12 men ordained as ruling elders in May 1972 and made many close connections and forged lasting friendships over many years.
Tributes have been paid on social media after news of his sad passing.
One said: “Billy was a gentleman of great faith and always available for advice and a chat. My thoughts and prayers are with the family during these difficult days.”
Another said: “I am so sorry to hear of the passing of Sir Knt. & Bro. Scott. I remember him at Mall Presbyterian Church in Armagh when my family attended 1966 to 1974. Billy always greeted you with a lovely smile. My sympathy goes to his family.”
Yet one more described Billy as a “gentleman, devoted follower of Jesus Christ and an excellent example of a true Orangeman and member of the Royal Black Institution love to the whole family”.
With all of his many interests and associations, he was, first and foremost a family, a loving husband and father and devoted grandfather.
A funeral notice described Billy as the “beloved husband of Dorothy, dearly loved father of Esther, Fiona, Jacqui and David, dear father-in-law of Adrian, John, Clive and Claire, devoted grandfather of Grace, Ethan, Sam, Luke, Rachel, Emily, Lucy, Eliza, Joshua, Jonathan and the late Daniel”.
The funeral service will take place in the Mall Presbyterian Church on Monday, December 1, at 1.30pm, following by a private interment.
Family and and friends are welcome to call at the home of his daughter Esther, 33A Marlacoo Road, Hamiltonsbawn, on Saturday and Sunday, between 12noon to 9-00pm.
Family flowers only have been requested with donations in lieu if desired for The Mall Presbyterian Church c/o K G Cheevers and Son Funeral Directors, 58f Hamiltonsbawn Road, Armagh, BT60 1HW or online at kgcheevers.co.uk
To his family and many friends, we offers our sincerest sympathies at this time.
