Scotty Probasco
photo by John Shearer
Prominent Chattanooga business, civic leader and philanthropist Scotty Probasco has died at the age of 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 fifth-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.
He had a 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.
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.
Arrangements are by Heritage Funeral Home, 7454 East Brainerd Road.