Ralph Edward Scott, age 88, of Dothan, Alabama, passed away peacefully on July 11, 2026, at Westside Terrace, surrounded by the love of his family. Born on August 24, 1937, in Mississippi,Ralph lived a life dedicated to service, compassion, and faith.
For 27 years, he served as a VA Clinical Social Worker, where his gentle wisdom and unwavering empathy touched countless lives. As Director of the Alcohol and Substance Abuse Treatment Program, Ralph co-founded a regional conference on addiction treatment, mentored fellow professionals, and advocated tirelessly for those in need.
Ralph’s journey in education and service was marked by excellence and integrity. He attended Mississippi State University on a football scholarship and was an active member of the Phi Kappa Tau Fraternity. He went on to earn a Master of Social Work degree from Louisiana State University and completed postgraduate studies in Alcoholism Studies at Rutgers University. His dedication to mental health extended into the classroom as an Adjunct Professor at the University of Southern Mississippi, where he taught courses on the treatment of alcohol and substance abuse with the same compassion that defined his professional life. He was a Rotarian and also served on the supervisory committee of the Mississippi Gulf Coast Federal Credit Union.
A man of deep faith, Ralph devoted much of his life to serving the church. He was a longtime member of Robinwood Baptist Church in Saucier, Mississippi, where he served as Chairman of the Deacons, Sunday School Director, and adult Sunday School teacher. After moving to Dothan, he became a faithful member of Calvary Baptist Church.
Ralph’s life was rich with a love for the outdoors and life’s simple pleasures. He enjoyed golfing, camping, and hunting with friends, always bringing laughter and warmth to those around him.
Those who knew him best remember his gentle spirit, soft-spoken nature, generous heart, and remarkable ability to see the good in everyone he met.
He is survived by his beloved wife of 64 years, Carolyn Hill Scott; his son, Jonathan Todd Scott, and daughter-in-law, Jennifer Lutrell Scott, of Dothan; and five cherished grandchildren—JT, Mason, Colton, Davis, and Adair—who were the pride and joy of his life. He was preceded in death by his parents, Barner B. Scott and Ruby Webb Scott; his brothers, Thomas V. Scott and B.B. Scott Jr. and his sister, Barbara Brogan.
The family will receive friends on Friday, July 17, 2026, from 4:00 until 5:30 p.m. at Ward Wilson Funeral Home in Dothan. A private memorial service will be held at a later date.
Interment will take place at Union Line Cemetery in Soso, Mississippi.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to the charity of one’s choice in honor of Ralph’s lifelong dedication to helping others.
