B. Holt Scott, Jr.

Banks Holt Scott, Jr., longtime resident of Somerville and retired WMC-TV Art Director who designed the iconic steamboat logo still used today, passed away Thursday morning, October 29, 2009 at the Northbrooke Healthcare Center in Jackson, Tennessee. He was 92 years of age.

Funeral Services for Mr. Scott were conducted at 2 P.M. Saturday, October 31st at the First United Methodist Church in Somerville with Rev. Larry Kendrick, Pastor of the church, officiating, with special remarks given by Mr. Scott's son, Joe Scott and wife Jan. Organ music was provided by Justin Hanson. A special tribute was a song composed and sung by granddaughter, Ashley Howard. Interment followed in the Somerville City Cemetery. Arrangements were provided by Peebles Fayette County Funeral Homes-Main Chapel of Somerville.

Mr. Scott was born Banks Holt Scott, Jr. on September 20, 1917 to Banks Holt Scott, Sr. and Annie Lillian Wilson Scott in Hillsborough, North Carolina. In 1939 he settled in Somerville and it became his home. After arriving in Somerville, he worked at the Fair Theater. He met and married Elizabeth Tapp of Somerville. Soon, he started his own business, a photography studio.

Later, he pursued his love of art as the Art Director for WMC-TV where he worked for 20 years. He designed the TV station's steamboat logo which is still in use today. After retiring from the TV station, he continued his art work and he enjoyed sharing his art with the community with one of his last projects being the art work on the Fayette Cares Christmas card.

He was a faithful member of Somerville First United Methodist Church where he was a Sunday School teacher for many years, teaching both youth and adult classes. His drawing of the church bell tower appears on the church bulletins.

Scott, as he liked to be called, was preceded in death earlier this year by his wife of 63 years, Elizabeth Scott. He is survived by his son, Joe Scott and wife, Jan of Burnsville, North Carolina; daughter, Zera Akin and husband Bill of Jackson, TN; three granddaughters and their husbands: Kim Akin Wilson and Matt of Eads; Amy Akin Little and Stephen of Jonesboro, AR; Ashley Akin Howard and Tracy of Fort Worth, TX; four grandsons: Brett Scott and wife Keiko of Yokosuka, Japan; Chris Scott and John Scott of Fayetteville, AR; and Mark Akin of Nashville. He leaves six great-grandchildren: Ben Wilson, Lizzie Wilson, Jack Little, William Little, Ava Little and Houston Howard. Also surviving are his beloved sisters, Marie Jordan of Burlington, North Carolina and Kay Scott of Richmond, Virginia; three nephews and one niece.

Pallbearers were Mr. Scott's grandsons, Mark Akin and John Scott; grandsons-in-law, Tracy Howard and Matt Wilson; nephew, Danny Walker of Richmond, Virginia and friend and neighbor, Keltner Morris.

Mr. Scott's great-grandson, Jack Little, served as honorary pallbearer.

The family requests that memorials be directed to the First United Methodist Church, 205 South East Street, Somerville, TN 38068; Phone: (901) 465-8726.