U.S. Navy Capt. (Ret.) Thomas Fletcher Scott Jr., age 81, died Sunday, March 9, 2025, at St. Mary's Regional Medical Center.

A native of Rockwood, Tennessee and previously honored by the city as a "Hometown Hero" for his service to his country, he served on nuclear submarines — the USS Pollack, USS Alexander Hamilton, and USS Bluefish — and completed numerous missions that remain classified today.

Tom moved his family to Russellville in 1979 to work at Arkansas Nuclear One, ultimately retiring from Entergy. An avid reader, jogger, loyal Jeopardy watcher, and crossword puzzle enthusiast, he was a member of Central Presbyterian Church for many years and served in various leadership roles there.

A graduate of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, he passionately hated Duke and loved singing the North Carolina fight song to his grandchildren after a Tarheel victory. He also looked forward to a Navy football victory over rival Army every year. He instilled a love of baseball in his two sons thanks to many trips to see the Arkansas Travelers play. His sons also appreciated lunch at Munchies after church on Sundays followed by trips to Shotgun Sam's where they mastered their gaming skills while he wrote his weekly letter to his parents in the corner. They also experienced many trips to hike the "number trail" (Basin Park Trail) at Mt. Nebo State Park, likely to give his wife a break from the constant energy of twin sons.

He was appointed to the Arkansas Library Board by Gov. Mike Huckabee and was awarded by St. Mary's Regional Medical Center for his volunteer service there.

Tom finished his Navy service as a reservist, doing his military drills in Little Rock while bragging to his children about successfully keeping the Russians away from the Arkansas River. He kept many close friendships among his Navy buddies after retirement that included numerous camping and canoeing trips, and outings that involved trips throughout the state to test and find the best bar-b-que, along with tamales and other food tasting quests.

Tom twice fought and defeated cancer, and he and his family greatly appreciated Dr. Thomas Sneed and his staff at CARTI for saving and prolonging his life.

His final competition was battling his close friend and neighbor, Wesley McMahan, to see who could retrieve each other's trash cans from the curb first following pick up each week. He greatly appreciated Wesley driving him and honoring him in Russellville's Veterans Day Parade for the past several years.

He was preceded in death by his wife of more than 50 years, Judy Scott; a daughter, Katherine Scott; and his parents, Thomas and Mary Scott.

Survivors include two sons and a daughter, Pope County Coroner Matthew Scott of Russellville, Mark (Kelsey) Scott of Rogers, and Liz Scott of Fayetteville; 8 grandchildren, Harrison, Heath and Hogan Scott of Russellville, Anna, Emily and Will Scott of Rogers and Katie and Scotty Scott of Fayetteville; and his two sisters, Billie Lou Baker of Athens, Georgia, and Nancy Farmer (Eddie) of Rockwood, Tennessee.

The family will receive friends Wednesday, March 12, 2025, from 4:30 to 6:00 p.m., at Shinn Funeral Service.

A private burial for the family will be held at Oak Grove Cemetery in Rockwood, Tennessee. Arrangements are under the direction of Shinn Funeral Service of Russellville.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the Pope County Library System Foundation, 116 East Third St., Russellville, Arkansas 72801. Contributions would provide funds to expand the Pope County Libraries and support programs that promote literacy, an investment in the wellbeing of Pope County citizens.

Online guestbook and condolences available at www.shinnfuneral.com.