In memoriam: Ronald Glenn Scott’s impact on Chatham Central High School

Bear Creek, NC – Ronald Glenn Scott, 86, of Bear Creek, passed away peacefully at his home on Friday, December 8th, 2023. Ronald was born on November 12th, 1937 in Greensboro to Glenn and Virginia Scott. Just 8 years later, he moved to Bear Creek and spent the rest of his life on a road which bears his name. Ronald was a graduate of Bennett High School and Elon College. 

Ronald Glenn Scott

Mr. Scott served in many capacities at Chatham Central High School for over five decades. He built a solid baseball program there during his 36 years as head coach with 520 wins on the field. Coach Scott could often be found dragging or raking the baseball field that is now called Ronald Scott Field. He led Chatham Central’s baseball team to win the 1976 2-A State Championship and took two 1-A teams to state runner-up. Coach Scott also coached men’s basketball, cross country, and football. He held the role of Athletic Director for 26 years, from 1960 to 1986. Mr. Scott also taught U.S. History in his early years as a teacher at Chatham Central, but he reached the most students in Chatham County through teaching Driver’s Education for 53 years. 

He was recognized for his efforts and contributions to education and athletics with many awards. Mr. Scott was inducted into the North Carolina High School Athletic Association Hall of Fame in 2008. He was also awarded a Lifetime Membership Award by Chatham Central High School. Coach Scott was honored to receive a Distinguished Service Award from the NCHSAA as well. He was named one of the top 100 coaches in North Carolina by the NCHSAA. In May of 1992, The baseball field at Chatham Central was named “Ronald Scott Field”, 3 years before his last season as head coach in 1995.

Source: Facebook

Coach Scott continued to be a fixture at Chatham Central well past his retirement in 2016 and could always be seen talking to old players and students in the stands reminiscing over old memories or dissecting the action on the field or court. He was always ready to serve Chatham Central in any way he could well into his retirement.

Mr. Scott also faithfully served in his community. He was a member of Prosperity Friends Church in High Falls where he taught Sunday School, served as Sunday School Superintendent and has been on various committees. Ronald was also a charter member of the South Chatham Lions Club. In addition, Mr. Scott helped to establish the Wayne Phillips Memorial Scholarship which has benefited numerous high school seniors from the Bennett community. 

In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by a son, Jonathan Glenn Scott and a grandson, Michael Scott Batten. 

Ronald is survived by his wife of 57 years, Janice Scott, daughter, Rhonda Batten and husband, Don Batten, granddaughter, Lindsey Batten, granddaughter Hanna Harrison and husband Logan Harrison, great-granddaughter, Sadie Harrison, brother, Marlyn Scott and wife Judy Scott, cousins, nieces, nephews, cousins, and a host of other family and friends. 

The funeral will be held on Saturday, December 16, 2023 at 11:00 am in the Polly O. Yow Auditorium at Chatham Central High School, with Pastor Jody Maness, Pastor Robert Kidd and John Wayne Phillips presiding. The family will receive friends in the auditorium one hour prior to the service. The burial will be private.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Prosperity Friends Church Building Fund ℅ Don Batten, 1285 Ronald Scott Road, Bear Creek, NC, 27207 or Wayne Phillips Memorial Scholarship ℅ FirstBank, PO Box 98 Bennett, NC, 27208.

Condolences may be offered online at www.joycebradychapel.com