Dr. Robert E. (Bob) Scott

Dr. Robert E. (Bob) Scott, 86 of Abilene, passed away at a local medical center on Monday, June 13, 2016. A visitation with the family is scheduled for Saturday, June 18th from 1:00-3:00pm at Piersall Funeral Directors, 733 Butternut Street. A memorial service will be held on Sunday, June 19th at 3:00pm in the University Church of Christ auditorium, 733 E.N. 16th St.

Bob was born May 14, 1930 in Konowa, Oklahoma to Jack D. and Edna M. Scott. He departed life on earth June 13, 2016. He was a member of the University Church of Christ in Abilene.

He graduated from Ada High School in Ada, Oklahoma in 1948. He began a three year enlistment in the Oklahoma National Guard in May 1948. In September 1948, Bob enrolled in East Central State (College) University in Ada. He played collegiate football and tennis, lettering in both sports. He aspired to be a high school teacher and coach. Near the end of his sophomore year in college, Bob was elected President of the Student Body. However, before he could begin serving, he was called into active military duty in 1950. Bob served as Sergeant First Class of the 171st Field Artillery Battalion of the 45th Infantry Division and First Sergeant of Headquarters Battery 171st Field Artillery Battalion. In May 1952, after serving on active duty one year beyond his three-year enlistment as a reserve, Bob was honorably discharged from the Army.

In September 1952, Bob returned to his studies at East Central. He received a Bachelor of Science in Education in May 1953 with a major in Mathematics and a minor in Physics. In September 1953, Bob enrolled in Graduate School at Abilene Christian (College) University, where he met the love of his life, Bernice. While completing a Master of Science in Religious Education, he taught two years as a Graduate Assistant in Education and Psychology and one year as a full-time Instructor.

On June 24, 1955, Bob married Bernice Bourland of Itasca, Texas. They moved to Syracuse, New York, where they began an eleven year ministry in Upstate New York as Bob served as a pulpit minister. Their first two children, Jerry and Susan were born during their time in Syracuse. In 1963, they continued serving in Albany, where their third child, Lisa, was born.

In 1967 the Scott family relocated to Abilene. For three years, Bob coordinated television production and facilitated follow-up teaching for Herald of Truth Radio and Television programs. In 1971, the Scotts moved to Orange County California where Bob served as pulpit minister for the Northside Church of Christ in Santa Ana. He also completed a Doctor of Education Degree from UCLA in 1974, with a focus on the use of mass media to teach adults.

In 1975, the Scotts returned to Abilene where Bob served as Director of Programming in film and television for Zachry-Naill and Associates. In 1978, he began working as a self-employed management consultant to business, hospitals, universities, foundations, churches, government agencies and non-profit organizations.

In 1980, Bob began to serve as the first full-time employee of World Christian Broadcasting Corporation. With an office in Abilene, he traveled widely raising funds for operations and capital for constructing Station KNLS at Anchor Point, Alaska. KNLS began broadcasting daily in July 1983 in Russian, Mandarin Chinese and English by shortwave radio to approximately one-third of the world's population. It continues daily broadcasts even now. Bob was President for 13 years and served two years as President Emeritus. His time at WCBC was a culmination of his education and professional experience and brought him great joy.

In 1996, Bob led a commercial venture for Abilene Christian University. An effort was begun that resulted in the establishment of ExpatRepat Services, Inc. With a staff of four, services were provided for employees of companies being considered for international assignments. The clients served were related to 27 countries. In 2001, Bob purchased ExpatRepat Services, Inc. He continued to provide intercultural services for international clients until the last years of his life.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents, one sister, Rosemary Neal. He is survived by his loving wife of 61 years, Bernice Scott of Abilene; one son, Jerry E. Scott and his wife, Patti Scott of Houston; daughter, Susan Scott of Dallas; daughter, Lisa Johnson and her husband, Jeff Johnson, of Austin; a brother, Jerry C. Scott and his wife, Jody Scott of Columbus, Georgia; three grandchildren, Michael Scott of Arlington; Ellen Johnson and Carter Johnson, both of Austin; numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces and nephews, cousins, neighbors and dear friends he considered "adopted" children.

As a preacher, Bob served Churches of Christ in Pennsylvania, Texas, New York and California. He served for 13 years as a shepherd at the Highland Church of Christ in Abilene.

Anyone who knew Bob, knew how much he loved to sing. He was a member of the Orange County Master Chorale in California; the Abilene Chorale and the Hillcrest Singers in Abilene.

He served as a member of the Board of Directors for Camp Hunt in Hubbardsville, New York; the Board of Directors of World Christian Broadcasting Corporation; the Board of Directors for Christian Homes of Abilene; the founding chairman of the Board of Directors for Disability Resources Incorporated in Abilene; a founding member of the Board of Trustees for Missions Resource Network in Bedford, Texas; and a member of the Board of Trustees for the former Christian Village of Abilene.

Bob Scott dedicated his life to serving others and spreading the Good News of Jesus Christ. He believed everyone was created uniquely and deserved to be treated with dignity and worth. He loved people and was a huge source of encouragement for many. There is no way to replace the hole he will leave in our hearts, but we know he is at peace with his Savior and singing loudly with the angels.

Condolences can be offered to the family online at www.pbfuneraldirectors.com.