Walter James Scott was born October 23, 1944, in Prescott, Arkansas, to the late Katherine Love and K.G. Scott. He departed this life on April 30, 2024.
His family moved to California in 1947 and settled in San Diego in 1953. Walter graduated from Abraham Lincoln High in 1962. He was a sportsman and three-year Varsity Letterman who participated in Track, Basketball, Football, Letterman’s Club, Key Club, and Ensemble. After graduation, he pursued a music career and was a multi-talented singing sensation in the sixties. He was lead singer and leader of several vocal groups, including the “Imperalites” (Liberty/Imperial Records) and the ‘Chessmen’ (Chessmen Records).
On February 16, 1963, Walter married Edith Sevier. From this union, they were blessed with two daughters, Lysaundra (Sandee) and Penney. On October 27, 1980, Walter married Judith Gross and helped to raise his stepdaughter Delinda.
Walter was a huge advocate for social justice and improving the community. For nearly four decades, Walter poured his heart into supporting the Family Health Centers of San Diego, championing its mission to provide accessible, high-quality healthcare and vital services to those in need.
After graduating high school, Walter worked at General Dynamics. In 1969, he joined San Diego Gas & Electric and worked there for over 30 years. During his tenure, he held several leadership positions and formed lasting friendships that have endured for more than 40 years. Walter’s favorite hobby that he and Judy enjoyed was RVing. He and Judy frequently traveled across the United States and Canada for up to six months at a time to majestic, fun, and timeless places, including Niagara Falls, New Orleans, Pensacola Bay, Amish Country of Lancaster County, Bainbridge Island, and several national parks including Mount Rushmore, Yosemite, Great Smoky Mountains, and Yellowstone.
The memories of his life will be forever cherished by his wife Judy Scott, his daughters; Sandee Anders (Kenneth), Penney McGuire Newell (Ennis), Lynnette Smith (Antwann), and Delinda Persons (Brett), son Eddie Ellis, grandchildren; Kenneth Anders Jr., Michael McGuire II, Nicole McGuire, Emily Simmons, Breyanna McGuire, Noelle Almeida, Chanell Anders, Cannon MacArthur, (deceased) Daniel MacArthur, and Charlotte Persons, ten great-grandchildren; EJ, Imani, Jordan, Kayden, Evan, Maddie, Ryan, Isabella, Nia, and Nyla, and a host of other relatives and friends who will miss him deeply.
