The Shadow
Charles Herman Scott Sr., 96, a longtime resident of Neptune, NJ entered into God’s eternal care to join his wife, Anne, on Tuesday, February 7, 2023, with his sons Reuben and Kirby at his side. He was born February 24, 1926, in Oriskany, Virginia and was the son of Herman Elijah and Mamie Ella (Johnson) Scott.
His loving and dedicated parents, Elijah and Mamie, were blessed with a large family of eight children, comprising three boys and five girls. In order of birth: Charles Herman, Annie Mae, Dorothy Roberta, Lucille Alice, Joe Louis, Betty Jean, Nathaniel Elijah, and Carolyn Lynn. Charles’ surviving brother Nathaniel Elijah (Nate), also resides in Neptune, New Jersey.
Charles grew up in the rural all-black Virginia town of Oriskany, the small community composed solely of a church and a small schoolhouse. The schoolhouse was more of a small cabin, containing one classroom with only enough chairs to go around. His humble upbringing during the Great Depression taught him perseverance, qualities that became apparent in everything he did. After Pearl Harbor, he volunteered to join the Army. In his class of thirty-two black enlistees, he was only one of two with a high school diploma. His determination earned him the highest rank for black enlisted soldiers at the time, rising from Corporal to Second Lieutenant. Sadly, he was one of the only members of his platoon to survive, but it shows the tenacity that defined his character. Preceding the war, he returned back to the United States in 1946 to attend Hampton Institute in Virginia, where he would meet his wife Anne Norris Cannady. Charles routinely considered their encounter as the best thing to happen to him. Charles and his family later moved to Neptune, New Jersey, where he became the first African American manager of a McDonalds in the state of New Jersey. He then went on to become a successful business owner and operate Scott’s Upholstery, with his wife by his side for over 30 years.
On December 23, 1951 Charles married Anne and was blessed with three sons: Charles H. Scott Jr. (deceased), (Carol) Belgrade, MT, Kirby D. Scott, (Kristine), Gettysburg, PA and Reuben V. Scott, (Jane), Ashburn, VA. Charles was blessed with seven grandchildren: Ashley, Emily, Kevin, Elijah, Mya, Aaron, Emma and one great-grandchild, Aurora. Charles’ nieces, nephews, and cousins held a special place in his heart and he cherished their company.
Charles loved life and lived as an example to all that knew him. Charles was passionate about everything and everyone around him and was known for his larger than life personality. He was truly a kind, genuine, strong, and charismatic man. Charles will continue to serve as an example of strength, love, faith, and devotion to family. Charles enjoyed football, fishing, and bragging about his son’s successful athletic and professional careers.
During his last years, he remained faithful in Christ and never complained while continuing to share the kindness he was known for. Charles, in his last days, was comforted knowing he would join his wife Anne in God’s eternal care.
The Scott family wishes to thank the friends, family, Neptune Senior Citizens Programs, home care medical staff and aides, and neighbors that assisted their dad during his time at home.
Visitation hours will be held on Tuesday, February 21, 2023, from 2:00 pm to 3:00 pm with a service starting at 3 pm at Ely Funeral Home located at 3316 Rt. 33, Neptune, NJ 07753. There will be a private cremation followed by burial of cremains in Virginia which will be held at a later date. The immediate family kindly asks friends and family to be patient for dates and times to be finalized. Condolences can be sent to www.elyfuneralhome.com
