William D. Scott, age 81 of Stanwood, went to be with his Lord, Wednesday, August 24, 2006. He was born January 12, 1925 in Morley to Loyd W. and Mary Belle (Clark) Scott. Bill grew up in the Morley Stanwood area. He married the former Shirley May Beals of Stanwood on January 7, 1945. For nearly 40 years, Bill had a varied and prestigious career with the United States Army Air Corp and the United States National Guard. He was a true patriot, enlisting in 1943, serving during World War II and was called back into active service during the Korean War. Bill was a lifetime member of the 126th Infantry Regiment. He was a member of American Legion Post #554 of Morley, and for many years enjoyed being an active part of the Gideon's International. Bill came to know the Lord in March of 1956. He was a faithful member of the Stanwood Free Methodist Church. Bill was a highly principled man and taught many others to walk on the right side. He was a model of Christian standards for many young men in the church. Those who came to know Bill and the way he lived his life, will be forever influenced by his example. He is survived by his grateful and loving family including; His devoted wife of 61 years, Shirley Three children; Rebecca (Robert) Steketee of Haslett John Scott and his life partner, Fred Hudson of St. Louis, MO Timothy (Darlene) Scott of Bridgeport, OH Five Grandchildren; Sean (Danielle) Scott Cassandra Scott all of St. Louis, MO Samuel Strother Abygayle Strother ChristiAn Strother all of the Lansing area Six Great-grandchildren: Hayden, Brenden, Iyanna, Samuel, Alelia, and ChristiAn Two sisters: Gailey Beals of Stanwood Betty Allen of Newaygo and many loving nieces, nephews and special family friends; Heather Kutie, Scott and April Cooper, Jay Dodson, Ken and Sarah Smith and Traci, Jedi, Sarah E. and Luke. Besides his parents, Bill was preceded in death by a son; Perrin David Scott, Two brothers; Richard and Donald Scott and a sister; Minnie Leone Tousley. Funeral services will take place 1:00 p.m. Saturday, August 26th at the Stanwood Free Methodist Church with Pastor Ron White officiating with military honors under the auspices of American Legion Post #98 of Big Rapids. The family will greet friends today (Friday) from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. and from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Daggett-Gilbert Funeral Home in Big Rapids and one hour prior to services at the church on Saturday. In lieu of flowers, the family wishes memorial contributions in William Scott memory be made to the Stanwood Free Methodist Church.