JAMES BETHEA SCOTT

James "Jim" Bethea Scott, 82, husband of Mercelene Haley Scott, died on Monday, June 1, 2020, at his home.

Born on Dec. 6, 1937, in Dillon County, he was a son of the late Ben and Eula Mae Bethea Scott. Jim was a member of New Salem Baptist Church and most recently attended First Baptist Church of Sumter. He grew up on a farm, helping his family plant, tend and harvest crops. He also took care of their animals. In the late 1960s and early 70s, Jim served on the Sumter Police Department. He was the owner of Hilldale Grocery.

Survivors include two sons, Kelvin Gregory Scott of Lexington and William Trevis Scott of Sumter; two granddaughters, Maura Bethea Scott and Roslyn Vail Scott of Riverton, New Jersey; four siblings, Hazel Miller of Lake View, Emily Slocum (Edward), Ray Scott and Mary Russell (John Allen), all of Sumter; a sister-in-law, Janette Scott of Fork; and a number of nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by a son, Jeffrey Bethea Scott; a brother, Ben Scott Jr.; a sister-in-law, Sylvia Scott; and two brothers-in-law, Joel Davis and Lide Miller.

A graveside service will be held at 11:30 a.m. Thursday at Evergreen Memorial Park cemetery with the Rev. Brett DeYoung and the Rev. Steve Miller officiating.

The family will receive friends from 10 to 11 a.m. Thursday at Elmore-Cannon-Stephens Funeral Home and other times at the home.

Elmore-Cannon-Stephens Funeral Home and Crematorium of Sumter is in charge of the arrangements.