Probasco, Scott Livingston, Jr.

Prominent Business, Civic Leader, And Philanthropist

  • Monday, April 20, 2015
Scotty Probasco
Scotty Probasco

Scott Livingston Probasco, Jr., a financial and civic leader who personified the splendid type of broad, public-spirited citizen, died on Saturday at his home on Lookout Mountain. He was 86.

Scotty, as he was affectionately greeted by most of Chattanooga, was known for his modesty, generosity, dependability, and unswerving loyalty. “Great work” was always on the tip of his tongue – a manifestation of his joyous humility. He was a man of high ideals, of kind heart and noble emotions, and with the interest of Chattanooga always front-and-center, he was a moving spirit in activities that tended toward the growth and betterment of this town.

A keen businessman, he served as chairman of the boards of SunTrust and its predecessor, American National Bank and Trust Company. He left his handprint on the face of modern banking in the South.

A third-generation Chattanoogan, Scotty graduated from Bright School, Baylor School, Dartmouth College and The Wharton School of Finance at the University of Pennsylvania. He received honorary degrees from King College and the University of the South at Sewanee. The recipient of many awards, he was most humbled by the Jim and Natalie Haslam Presidential Medal, the University of Tennessee’s highest honor for outstanding contributions to philanthropic efforts through giving, volunteer leadership, and service. Scotty was chairman of the boards of Baylor School, UC Foundation, the Community Foundation of Greater Chattanooga, the United Way, and Hunter Museum of American Art, and many others. 

Scotty also served on many corporate boards, including Chattem Inc., Combustion Engineering, and Provident Accident and Life, and Coca-Cola Enterprises.

He had great passion for his Lord, his family and Chattanooga. A lifetime member of the First Presbyterian Church, he was chairman of the Board of Deacons and an Elder, and a founding supporter of Changed Lives.

Scott L. Probasco Jr. is survived by his loving wife of 61 years, Betty Rowland Probasco and his four children: Scott (Alexis) Probasco, Zane (Greg) Brown, Ellen (Chris) Moore, and Ben (Susan) Probasco. His twelve grandchildren are William, Walker, Kate Probasco, Greg, Ben (Lynn) Brown, Kaki (Jay) Jenkins, Sarah Zane, Timothy, Christopher Moore, Laura (Steve) Scorey, Philip and Cartter Probasco and one great grandson Thompson Brown. He is also survived by his two sisters, Alice Probasco Lupton and Peggy Probasco Jones.

The honorary pallbearers are Lew Boyd, Bob Caldwell, L. Hardwick Caldwell Jr., John Guerry, S.K. Johnston Jr., Kenneth Langone, Andrew Sage, Edward Steele, the Directors of SunTrust Bank, and the Elders of First Presbyterian Church.

A memorial service will be held at 3 p.m. on Tuesday, April 21, at First Presbyterian Church with Pastor Tim Tinsley officiating. There will be a private family burial.

The family will receive friends at the Mountain City Club after the service.

Memorial contributions may be made to Baylor School, 171 Baylor School Rd., Chattanooga, TN 37405, UC Foundation, UTC Office of Development, 605 Oak St, Chattanooga, TN 37403, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, P.O. Box 338 Hixson, TN 37343, in lieu of flowers.

Please visit www.heritagechattanooga.com to share your condolences to the family.

Arrangements are by Heritage Funeral Home 7454 East Brainerd Road, Chattanooga.

 

Latest Headlines
Obituaries
Lily Moyers O’Neil
Lily Moyers O’Neil
  • 3/27/2024

Lily Moyers O’Neil, 78, of Chattanooga, Tennessee, went home to be with the Lord Jesus on March 26, 2024. She adored her devoted husband, Eddie, her best friend. Lily enjoyed spending time ... more

Eunice Jones
Eunice Jones
  • 3/27/2024

On March 18, 2024, Jesus gently whispered to Mrs. Eunice Jones, “Come to me—come home.” She answered his call and moved to her heavenly home to be reunited with loved ones: parents, Lee and Ruby ... more

Tommy Dewitt Price (Benton)
Tommy Dewitt Price (Benton)
  • 3/27/2024

Tommy Dewitt Price, 88, of Benton, departed this life peacefully on March 23, 2024, at his home. He was born on February 28, 1936, to the late Manuel and Edith Locke Price. In addition ... more