Dr. Hillard Scott knew medicine well—as a family practice physician for 35 years and as a 15-year kidney transplant survivor. On Tues., July 22, he died suddenly at his home in Olivette at age 77.
“He’ll be missed,” said his friend of 44 years, Dr. James Knight, a cardiothoracic surgeon. “The two of us were among 14 African Americans who were the first to be accepted into the Saint Louis University School of Medicine in 1970. There aren’t a lot of African-American doctors practicing in the area anymore,” he added.
Dr. Scott had offices at 1441 N. Grand, and 3645 Oakmount Ave.
In 1989, he was a founder and played bass for the Jazz Edge Orchestra, a 17-piece big band ensemble.
He and his wife, Geraldine Clayborne Scott, are principals of H.L.S. Inc., which manages the practice and enterprises. He was vice president and board chairman of WillScott Company, Ltd., a trucking company in Tema, Ghana in West Africa.
He served as medical director of International Association of Missions; on Champion Health Care Managed Insurance Group and Jazz Edge boards; member of Mound City Medical Forum, Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity and The St Louis Set, a national social club.
In addition to his wife of 35 years, he leaves children from a blended family, oldest son Hillard Del Scott, who donated a kidney to him in 1999; Robin (Marcus) Stevenson; Hilary (Adewale) Ogunrinde; Stanley (Katherine) Rice and Celia Daniel; Elizabeth Rucks, who was close as a sister; and best friends—Dr. Robert Moore, Dr. James W. Knight and Dr. Don Cook.
In lieu of flowers, make contributions payable to Macedonia Development Corporation, a senior services nonprofit; mail to 10 S. Norman E. Owens Pl., East St. Louis, IL 62201.
Arrangements: Thurs., July 31, 4 p.m.-6 p.m. lie in state; a Jazz Edge tribute, 6 p.m.-8 p.m. at First Baptist Church, 1452 Dielman Rd., St. Louis, MO 63132.
Home Going Services: Fri., Aug. 1, 10:30 a.m., Macedonia Baptist Church, 10 S. Norman E. Owens Pl. (1400 Broadway), East St. Louis, IL 62201. Officer Funeral Home has charge of services.
