TL Scott.
2/27/1944 - 5/21/2025.
On Wednesday May 21, 2025 I lost my Dad and dear friend TL Scott. It just seemed appropriate to dig into his slide collection tonight and find something good to post. Only a Southern Railway image would do. Why Southern? Dad grew up in Jonesville, SC on the SOU W-Line where he was well received as an interested and ambitious kid by all the fine railroaders who worked through his hometown. Endearingly referred to as "Red" for his red hair, Dad was shown the ropes by friendly train crews, station agents, and Road Foreman Ray Mauney. After completion of his engineering degree from Vanderbilt University (with honors), Dad worked for Lockeed Martin for several years until he decided the aircraft industry was not for him and he pursued a career with his beloved Southern. Starting as a management trainee and rising up through the ranks with the Southern/NS Mechanical Department, he served at many posts: Atlanta (twice), Chattanooga (three times), Greensboro, Alexandria, Decatur, Roanoke (retired). I'm not sure where to begin with memories of Dad because there are too many to tell in a photo caption, but I must attribute most of what I know about railroading and photography to him. He also educated me on blues, soul music, R&B, and a little bit of country and bluegrass. I'll never forget our days around Roanoke when I was a kid growing up on NS. He would run across a ragged looking unit desperately needing a paint job, pull out his notepad and pen and make a note to send the rough looking offender to Chattanooga for paint. He worked at least six days a week and was highly interested in the "blowup report" each morning, and wasted no time getting bad-ordered engines pointed toward the nearest shop. He tried to take care of the men who worked for him, and take care of the company at the same time. As a fellow railroad manager, I know that's a tall order and I've always been proud of how well received he was on both sides of the fence. Back to the photo, this is what I think of when I think of my Dad: RS-3s and F-Units!
TL Scott photo, posted by JL Scott
