Billy Joe Scott

After a courageous battle with Parkinsons Disease, Billy Joe Scott, age 67, of Moravia, and more recently of Albia, died Wednesday evening April 29, 2009, at Oakwood Nursing and Rehab Center in Albia, Iowa. Billy Joe was born on June 16, 1941, in Centerville, Iowa to Walter Nataniel and Margery (Johnson) Scott of Moravia. He was named after two famous boxers, Billy Conn and Joe Louis, when a neighbor man came to visit and view the new baby commented on how his little face was so scratched up from his long fingernails that he looked like he already been in the famous boxing match, scheduled to be held two days later! On August 31, 1974, Billy Joe married Annie Long in Moravia. He was a life long resident of Moravia, attending Maple Grove Country School, and graduated from Moravia High School in 1960. He proudly served in the U.S. Army, where his first assignment was his favorite: Being in the military police. His work days were spent as a lumber stacker at Moravia Lumber Company Sawmill or as an employee of the Gambles store, where he was busy as a clerk, who also pumped gas and fixed tires, doing anything needed in the classic old time country store. After work he could be found on his beloved John Deere, mowing grass or plowing snow, or at school, attending almost every home game ever held. He was often designated the number one fan, and given many hats, shirts, and autographed game balls to show how much the kids adored him. When his arthritis forced him off the John Deere, he could be found buzzing around town on his golf cart. In his younger years, he was famous for riding his bicycle, everywhere, year round, in all kinds of weather, he was out and about. Billy Joe is survived by his wife, Annie Scott of Moravia; three sisters, Maxine Ewing of Centerville, Charlotte Tisue and her husband Ron of Moravia, Sondra Scott and her husband Dave McReynolds of Albia; two brothers, Jack Scott of Moravia, and Walter Scott Jr. and his wife Margaret of Moravia. Billy Joe was preceded in death by his parents; a still born baby brother, Bobby Lee; one sister, Lois Caster, who was married to Luther Caster of Moravia; his brother Jack's wife, Rose; his sister Maxine's husband M.T.; and his mother-in-law, Barbara Long , who was married to Everett Long. Winfield Funeral Home in Albia is taking care of carrying out Billy Joe's specific instructions: that he is cremated and his ashes are buried at a private family burial at Hillcrest Cemetery in Moravia. Due to Annie Scott's severe allergies, we ask that you please don't send live flowers or plants. A memorial has been established to Hospice of Monroe County or to Moravia School Athletic Department. Along the way, Billy Joe has gotten a lot of love and assistance from hundreds of friends, family, neighbors, medical staff, VA staff, near and far, nursing home staff, and many kids of all ages. Thank each and every one of you special people. You made his life more enjoyable, his illness more comfortable, and his passing more bearable.

Billy Joe Scott

June 16, 1941 - April 29, 2009