Willard Scott "Scottie" O’Steen of Ringgold, Georgia, passed away on August 16, 2026.

He was born on June 3, 1952 in Chattanooga, to the late Jesse W. O’Steen and the late Geneva C. O’Steen.

Scott graduated from Lakeview High School in Rossville, and attended Dalton Junior College in Dalton, GA.

Scott enlisted in the Unites States Air Force and was stationed at Pope Air Force, Fayetteville, NC. After discharge, he returned to his home in Fort Oglethorpe, where he held several jobs before enlisting in the Tennessee National Guard. In 1984 Scott returned to active duty with the Guard where he served on active duty for the next 22 ½ years before retiring at the rank of EB First Sergeant. During his years of service, he served as a Legal Specialist, Unit Clerk, Senior Personnel Sergeant and at his retirement he was serving as First Sergeant for Headquarters 1-181 Field Artillery Battalion.

In 1990/91 Scott was deployed to Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and Iraq in support of Operation Desert Shield/Desert Storm. For his service there, he was awarded the Kuwait Liberation Medal along with the Army Bronze Star for Meritorious Service. During his years of service, he was also awarded the Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Good Conduct Medal. He was also awarded the Honorable Order of Saint Barbara Medal from the U.S. Army Field Artillery Association and several ribbons both individual and unit from the National Guard of Tennessee. He served two terms as president of the Enlisted Association of the National Guard of Tennessee where he received the Minuteman Award (their highest award) for his service. He loved working for the enlisted soldiers and airman of the National Guard. After his service in the army, he served as a civilian contractor working with families of National Guard soldiers who were deployed during different operations.

Scott was a life member of the VFW. He was a member of First Baptist Church Ft Oglethorpe where he was member of the Koinonia Sunday School Class and also served as deacon.

Scott was an avid Tennessee Volunteer fan who enjoyed all sports.

Visitation will take place on Wednesday, Aug. 19, from 4-8 p.m.

Services will be held on Thursday, Aug. 20, at 11 a.m. at Heritage Funeral Home in Fort Oglethorpe, with Colonel Retired Carl Quinn and Staff Sergeant David Young officiating.

Full military honors will take place on Thursday, Aug. 20, at 12:30 p.m. at Chattanooga National Cemetery.

Arrangements are by Heritage Funeral Home, Battlefield Parkway.