Mr. Andrew Scott

Mr. Andrew Gerard Billingslea Scott of Tampa, Florida, passed away on Tuesday, May 30, 2023.  Funeral Services will be held on Saturday, June 10, 2023, 1:00 p.m. at Ray Williams Memorial Chapel, 301 N. Howard Avenue, Tampa, Florida 33606 with his brother, Reverend Doctor Shafter E. Scott, Officiating and Eulogist.  The viewing will be 1 hour prior to the service. There will be no Wake or Repast.  Interment will follow in Rest Haven Memorial Park Cemetery, 4615 E. Hanna Avenue, Tampa, FL 33610.  MASK RECOMMENDED.   

Mr. Andrew Gerard Billingslea Scott, the youngest of thirteen children, was born to the union of Deacon Harold Billingslea Scott, Senior and Mrs. Lucile Willis Scott (both deceased) of Tampa, Florida, on July 16,1955.  Andrew grew up in central Tampa, Ybor City, and Jackson Heights communities.  He received his Christian training and worship experience at Greater Bethel M. B. Church where his family dedicated their stewardship.  Andrew also attended Faith Temple M. B. Church for several years before returning to Greater Bethel, and prior to joining the Federal Job Corps Program.  His love for God was powerful in his daily life and radiated to all.  During times of sickness when others may have given up, Andrew always expressed the greatness of His Father God to heal him. 

At the early age of approximately 10 years, one pastor took note of Andrew’s expressed love for God, his ability to expound on bible scripture, and his obedience and respect of church and authority figures.  He allowed Andrew to do a “Trial Sermon” and Andrew fulfilled all that was expected of him with congregational support.  However, mother prayed, and guided Andrew to grow up and wait on God for such an assignment.

Andrew was a product of Hillsborough County Schools during his Elementary and Junior High School grade levels.  Andrew demonstrated skills in many areas including woodwork and masonry.  Bored with regular High School, he joined the Federal Job Corps program where he successfully completed his High School Requirements.  He was always inspired by stories told about his father being a Master Chef, so Andrew also completed Culinary School as a part of his Job Corps Training Program in Phoenix, Arizona. 

While in the Job Corps, Andrew was able to travel, but it was in Phoenix, Arizona where he settled down, married, and became the father of one child, a daughter, Tameka Scott.  He loved his daughter immensely.  A few years later Andrew returned to Tampa and became a baker at one of the local bakeries.  As he began to need more family and professional support because of illness, God blessed him with the Graham Home at GRACEPOINT Community Mental Health Care, where he became a willing resident in community mental health and supportive services.  Graham Home staff, residents, and counselors became like a second family for “Andy” as they called him.  Andrew understood his challenges and was always eager to work and attend classes on self-improvement.  GRACEPOINT honored Andrew with recognition for the following: Outstanding Performance in the Areas of “RAY OF SUNSHINE”, “BIGGEST SWEETHEART AND HEART”, AND “CHIEF OF HAPPINESS AWARDS”.

Andrew was a TREMENDOUSLY KIND AND LOYAL family member.  There were times when he and his brother Harold (now deceased) would try to “one up” with each other with jokes and Andrew always won.  He learned from his brother, Reverend Doctor Shafter Scott, who is a Licensed, Florida Building Contractor, how to be a good laborer.  Andrew lived a modest, uncomplicated life without complaints. 

His brothers William, Jacob, and Arthur (all now deceased) kept Andrew in their hearts as a young brother always needing their support.  He loved all of his biological family members, and his “family” at the Graham Home where he resided for over 30 years.  He was a protector of his mother and sisters, always inquiring about their health, safety, and whereabouts on any given day.  He was a thinker, posing life questions to his “baby sister” Harriet.  Recently, on one of their regular weekend visits Andrew appeared very different.  He always initiated deep conversation, but Harriet was unprepared for what he said as she prepared to leave his apartment.  Andrew told Harriet “Not to forget about me”.  Harriet thought this a strange statement since she was not aware of him going anywhere and he knew she was coming back soon.  As the statement was shared with staff, no one understood and certainly did not see the event of May 30, 2023, coming, when The Lord called Andrew to eternal rest.  We will miss Andrew something awful, but God’s will be done.  We are momentarily sorrowful, but we know as Andrew did that JOY COMETH IN THE MORNING!

Andrew was preceded in death by:  Father and Mother, Deacon Harold B. Scott, Sr., and Mother Lucile Willis Scott; four brothers, Arthur Bernard Scott, Deacon Harold B. Scott, Jr., Jacob Wesley Scott, and William Eugene Scott; two sisters, Roberta Marie Scott Wilder and Annie Theresa Scott; Paternal Grandparents, Judge and Mary Billingslea of West Point, Ga., and Maternal Grandparents, Shafter and Annie Bell Hall Willis of Gainesville / Tampa, Fl.; nephews, Shafter “Van” Scott, Larry Scott, Tony Scott; and niece, GeWanda Wilder.

Survivors Include:  Daughter, Tameka Scott and Family of Phoenix, Arizona; One Brother, Reverend Doctor Shafter E. and Evalina Scott; two sisters, Carol Scott, and Harriet L. Scott; one sister-in-law, Diane L. Scott; nephews, Frederick and Reverend Gloria Deere, Rev. Harold R. Scott (Pastor Debra Scott), Harold B. Scott, III and Prophetess Sheila Scott, Eric and Gretchen Scott of Largo, Fl., Melvin Wilder, Jr., Curtis Scott and Family; nieces, Carolyn Scott, Carrie Scott, Vannetta Scott,  Francine Scott Marr and family, Debbie and Maurice Brown and family, Theresa Davis, Deaconess Harriett Elizabeth and Deacon Jimmy Close and family, Lucile and Fred Swanson and family of Tennessee, and Regina Johnson and family; family friend, Ms. Beverly Bryant; and a host of great nephews, nieces, cousins, extended family, and friends.

Arrangements Entrusted to RAY WILLIAMS FUNERAL HOME, Rhodes & Northern,

www.raywilliamsfuneralhome.com

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Mr. Andrew Scott, please visit our floral store.