Late Congressman David Scott Honored at Memorial Service in State Capitol
Georgia officials and family members gathered at the state Capitol to honor the late Congressman David Scott, celebrating his historic role as the first Black chair of the House Agriculture Committee.
ATLANTA, GEORGIA — Current and former federal and state officials gathered with the family of late Congressman David Scott for a memorial service at the Georgia State Capitol on Friday, where the longtime representative was lying in repose.
The memorial service celebrated Scott’s decades of public service, including his historic role as the first African American to chair the U.S. House Agriculture Committee. Speakers also highlighted his advocacy for historically Black colleges and universities and his annual job fairs that became a cornerstone of his congressional outreach.
Remembering a Legacy of Leadership
“David led with conviction, guided by both principle and compassion. When he entered Congress, he carried that same spirit on the national stage. He represented not just the district, but the hopes and voices of countless Georgians,” said former state Rep. Calvin Smyre during the memorial.
Smyre, who first met Scott in 1975 when both were sworn into the Georgia House of Representatives, recalled the congressman’s distinctive speaking style and natural leadership abilities. Scott, a Democrat, served in the state House before winning election to the state Senate in 1982 and then to Congress in 2002.
“I can still hear that strong, commanding voice, an orator with a touch of preaching in him. To me, then it was clear he was destined to speak, not just with authority and clarity, but also with conviction and purpose,” Smyre said.
Family and Officials Pay Respects
Scott’s wife Alfredia Scott and daughters Marcye Scott and Dayna Scott Vidal attended the memorial service, listening as speakers honored their loved one’s contributions to Georgia and the nation. The family was joined by officials from various levels of government who came to pay their respects.
Among the speakers was Congresswoman Maxine Waters of California, who traveled to Atlanta to participate in the memorial service for her former colleague.
A Career Spanning Five Decades
Scott’s political career spanned nearly five decades, beginning with his election to the Georgia House in 1974. After serving in both chambers of the state legislature, he won his congressional seat in 2002, representing Georgia’s 13th District.
Throughout his tenure in Congress, Scott became known for his work on agricultural issues, eventually breaking barriers when he became the first African American to lead the House Agriculture Committee. His advocacy extended beyond agriculture to include strong support for historically Black colleges and universities.
The annual job fairs Scott organized as a congressman became particularly popular events, connecting constituents with employment opportunities and demonstrating his commitment to addressing economic challenges in his district.
The memorial service at the state Capitol provided an opportunity for Georgia’s political community to come together and reflect on Scott’s lasting impact on both state and federal politics, according to the Georgia Recorder.
