Scott 'Scotty' Livingston Probasco Jr. a man of many interests

Scott L. "Scotty" Probasco Jr.
Scott L. "Scotty" Probasco Jr.
photo Scott L. "Scotty" Probasco Jr.

Scott "Scotty" Livingston Probasco Jr., whose business acumen, civic leadership and love of the community he proudly called home were a positive influence on the Chattanooga area and its growth, died Saturday at 86. His ebullient personality, his dazzling smile, his encouraging words and his quiet but powerful leadership will be missed.

Probasco was a man of myriad interests. Over the course of his professional life and public career, he was a well-regarded businessman, an effective, visionary civic leader and a generous benefactor to a broad variety of public and private institutions and causes. His decades of work in and out of the spotlight leave an admirable legacy of service to the city and the region he wholeheartedly embraced.

Probasco's professional career was spent in banking, first at American National Bank & Trust Company and then SunTrust Bank. He was chairman of the board for both. He served as well on other corporate boards, including Chattem Inc., Combustion Engineering and Provident Life & Accident. Although Probasco's business resume was extensive and marked with notable successes, his long-time involvement in Chattanooga's civic and philanthropic life was equally remarkable.

His service and interests were broad-based. He was a powerful advocate for Chattanooga and worked vigorously to promote civic growth and to improve the lives of city and area residents. He was a strong advocate for education, a promoter of civic service and a man of deep and abiding faith. His service to entities as varied as the United Way, the Hunter Museum of American Art, Baylor School, The Community Foundation of Greater Chattanooga, the University of Chattanooga (now UTC) and the University of Tennessee is testament to his willingness to serve and to the exceptional leadership skills and direction he brought to those institutions and groups.

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* Scott L. "Scotty" Probasco Jr., businessman and philanthropist, died Friday night * Friends remember Probasco as a cheerleader for Chattanooga, a gentleman

Probasco spent a lifetime working tirelessly, energetically and, more often than not, quietly, on a variety of projects that helped bring significant economic, educational and social change to his hometown. He never took credit for his work, but those who benefited from it -- and all Chattanoogans directly or indirectly do so -- should remember and honor him for it.

Probasco was a man of many interests whose public service and faith were integral parts of his life. Although Probasco's loss will be felt most keenly by his beloved wife, children, grandchildren and great-grandson, the community and region he served lovingly and well should mourn his passing and always remember him with respect and enormous affection.

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