Paul (Bodie) B. Scott

Paul Bowen (Bodie) Scott, Jr., of Kingsport, died unexpectedly early Saturday morning, September 20, 2014. He was born July 28, 1936 at Holston Valley Hospital, the son of Paul Bowen Scott, Sr., and Ruth Brownell Scott.

Bodie was a product of the Kingsport city school system, graduating from Dobyns-Bennett High School in 1954, where he played running back on the football team and played on the 1952 TN State Championship baseball team. He earned a degree in civil engineering from Georgia Tech, then served in the Army Corps of Engineering for two years.

In 1963, Bodie founded SAFECO, Inc., an industrial safety distribution company, headquartered in Kingsport, which expanded to 18 locations throughout the eastern United States.

Bodie loved Kingsport and was one of its strongest advocates and supporters. He served a term as a Sullivan County Commissioner and was actively involved in the campaigns and elections of several public officials. He chaired the Kingsport Parks and Recreations Board; was president of the Kingsport safety council; a director of the Kingsport Chamber of Commerce; a member of the Downtown Kingsport Association; and a member of SEDA (Safety Equipment Distributors Association). He also served on the advisory board of First Tennessee Bank and was a Rotarian.

One of his greatest interests was economic development in Kingsport. In 1991 Bodie chaired the Conference and Civic Task Force which resulted in the building of the Meadowview Conference Center and Resort.

The church was an important part of Bodie's life. He was a faithful, participating member of First Presbyterian Church for over 50 years, where he served as a deacon, youth advisor, and was involved in many of the church's outreach ministries.

Bodie was always proud of his family and is survived by his wife of 54 years, Jane Kraemer Scott; his son, P. Bowen Scott III and his wife, Paula Mills Scott of Kingsport; his daughter, Elizabeth Brownell Scott of Charlotte, NC, and his three grandsons, Colton Kraemer Scott, Ansel Alexander Scott and Baxter Bennett Scott, all of Kingsport.

Other members of his family include his sisters, Janet Scott Heisel (Ralph) of Stamford, CT., and Jean Scott Matheson (Jim) of Stuart, FL; brother-in-law, C. Phillips Kraemer (Bradley) of Raleigh, NC; brother-in-law, Frederick B. Kraemer of Raleigh, NC; and special nieces and nephews who have continued to be a significant part of his life.

A memorial service will be held on Thursday at 3:00 pm at First Presbyterian Church, conducted by the ministers, David Cagle and Sharon Amstutz. A graveside service will precede the memorial service at 2:30 pm at Oak Hill Memorial Park. The family will greet friends at the church following the memorial service.

Contributions in Bodie's memory may be made to First Presbyterian Church, 100 W. Church Circle, Kingsport, TN 37660; or to the Grandfather Home for Children, P.O. Box 98, Banner Elk, NC 28604.