Richard E. Scott
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Richard E. Scott

  • October 3, 1937 - January 20, 2012
  • Waco, Texas
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“Carol Lou and family, We are so sorry to hear of Richard's passing. You all will be in our thoughts and prayers. Love, Walter, Betty, Debbie...Read More » ”
1 of 32 | Posted by: Debbie Barnes - La Porte, TX

“Richard was a wonderful childhood friend who inspired many people with his work ethic and terrific attitude toward everyone. He will be missed. ”
2 of 32 | Posted by: Don & Pat Ratliff - FL

“Carol & Family, What a great love of family Richard had. Although saddened by his loss, the spirit in which he lived is what will be remembered...Read More » ”
3 of 32 | Posted by: Marsha Jepson - Plano, TX

“Carol Lou and Family, It was a privilege to know and work with Richard. He was a great mentor and friend. My thoughts and prayers are with you. ...Read More » ”
4 of 32 | Posted by: RoseMary Mayes - Waco, TX

“Do you think that Richard held out his hand and said, "Come on Carole, I'll go with you?" May God continue to bless your family as he has already...Read More » ”
5 of 32 | Posted by: Sue Walston - Waco, TX

“Rich,Sarah and Family, Lisa and I are very sorry to learn today of your loss. You are in our thoughts and prayers.May God strengthen you during...Read More » ”
6 of 32 | Posted by: Barry and Lisa Hardin - Beaumont, TX

“Dear Carol Lou and family, I am so sorry to hear of Richard's passing, but have no doubt he is having quite a party in Heaven. Richard was a great...Read More » ”
7 of 32 | Posted by: Bruce Eady - Columbia, MO

“Carol Lou and Family, Richard was one of the finest men I've ever known. He was a good friend the minute I first met him. Richard is now with his...Read More » ”
8 of 32 | Posted by: Jimmy Goates - Odessa, TX

“Mrs. Scott, Richie, Sarah, Suzanne, Rick and family, We were sad to hear about the passing of Richard.Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you...Read More » ”
9 of 32 | Posted by: Sherry Lopez - Waco, TX

“DEAR CAROL LOU, SUZANNE, & RICHIE, AND FAMILY, WE'RE SO SORRY FOR YOU IN YOUR LOSS. DUE TO MEDICAL APPT. MONDAY, WE CAN'T BE AT RICHARD'S SERVICE,...Read More » ”
10 of 32 | Posted by: nancy cross - robinson, TX

“We are so sad to hear of Richard's passing. We have been honored to be able to share a common love of Hillcrest with him. He was instumental in so...Read More » ”
11 of 32 | Posted by: Gordon and Susan Swanson - Waco, TX

“Carol and family. My dear friends, I am so sorry for your loss. Richard was such a happy person and would always make me laugh everytime he was in...Read More » ”
12 of 32 | Posted by: Linda C. Crow - Waco, TX

“Having known Richard since I was five years old, I can truly say he was one of the finest men I have ever known! He loved the Lord and loved people....Read More » ”
13 of 32 | Posted by: David Littlewood - McGregor, TX

“Dear Carol Lou and family, Richard and you are well remembered. We know you shall miss him. I know you will look forward to seeing him again. Until...Read More » ”
14 of 32 | Posted by: Al Rampmeier - TX

“Carol Lu and Family: Debbie and I were so saddened and sorry to learn of Richard's passing. Richard knew he was fortunate to have your love and a...Read More » ”
15 of 32 | Posted by: Mr. and Mrs. Duncan Manning - TX

“Dr Scott & family: I am so sorry for the loss of your dad and grandfather. My heart & feelings are with you. God bless you. My love to you all, ...Read More » ”
16 of 32 | Posted by: Louise Fasana - Waco, TX

“Thank you for the privelage of knowing you and for being such a good man to your wife and mother and father for these years. You will leave such a...Read More » ”
17 of 32 | Posted by: Greg and Dana Chancey - TX

“Let God give you strength when you need it. Let Him give you peace and restoration with his love for you. Please let us know if you need anything at...Read More » ”
18 of 32 | Posted by: Mr. & Mrs. C.W. Hague - Robinson, TX

“"Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised...Read More » ”
19 of 32 | Posted by: Troy W. Hague - Robinson, TX

“Richard was an exemplary leader, a fine Christian, and a loyal friend. I am sorry that I wasn't in contact with him in recent years, but I always...Read More » ”
20 of 32 | Posted by: Tod Outlaw - Kapolei, HI

“Carol and family, Richard meant so much to HBMC. I am so sorry for your loss, but it is Heaven's gain. All the years I worked with him was a real joy...Read More » ”
21 of 32 | Posted by: virginia neel - woodway, TX

“Sorry to that your dear husband and father has fallen asleep in death. Reading the many wonderful comment Mr. Scott will be missed by all who knew...Read More » ”
22 of 32 | Posted by: Olevia Taylor - Dallas, TX

“Carol - my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. I am so sorry to hear about Richard's passing. I remember you both so vividly from my...Read More » ”
23 of 32 | Posted by: Carol (Bethke) Whitworth - TX

“Our hearts go out to the Scott and Abbe families. Many fond memories of Richard/GP will remain. One such memory is that in all his time at Hillcrest...Read More » ”
24 of 32 | Posted by: David James - Robinson, TX

“It is truly an honor to serve the family of such an accomplished Christian gentleman/businessman. Richard was perhaps the most appoachable man in...Read More » ”
25 of 32 | Posted by: Hatch Bailey - Waco, TX

“Thank you for sharing Richard with the Waco Community and Hillcrest. He was a man of class and honor. Your family is in our thoughts and prayers...Read More » ”
26 of 32 | Posted by: Sue Lowry - Waco, TX

“Richard was a good friend to all. He always looked for ways to serve the people of Waco. I learned a great deal from Richard about leadership. He...Read More » ”
27 of 32 | Posted by: Bill Bailey - Houston, TX

“Carol and family, As Hillcrest Associates there are so many fond and fun memories of Richard! It was an honor to serve alongside him, for that is...Read More » ”
28 of 32 | Posted by: Gina Roberts - Waco, TX

“Carol and Family, We are deeply saddened by your loss of this very special man. Hillcrest, Baylor and all of Waco have lost a special supporter and...Read More » ”
29 of 32 | Posted by: Ellen and Ray Deaver - Waco, TX

“No matter how long it had been, Richard always remembered my name. ”
30 of 32 | Posted by: Karen Bell - Hewitt, TX

“Richard Scott was a leader among leaders. He was dedicated to "the best" in whatever he did. He expected nothing less. In doing so, he cared deeply...Read More » ”
31 of 32 | Posted by: Homer D Trevino - Waco, TX

“Dear Carol and family, I send you my love and concern. I know this is hard but God sustains us during such times. May your happy memories...Read More » ”
32 of 32 | Posted by: Bernadine Ratliff - Farmington, MO


Richard E. Scott October 3, 1937 – January 20, 2021 Richard E. Scott, 74, former President and CEO of Hillcrest Health System, went home to be with his Heavenly Father Friday, January 20, 2012, after a courageous battle with Parkinson's Disease. Graveside services will be 10:00 a.m., Monday, January 23, at Oakwood Cemetery, followed by funeral services celebrating his life 11:30 a.m., at First Baptist Church, Waco with the Rev. Chaplain Curtis Holland and the Rev. Dr. Matt Snowden officiating. Visitation will be 6 to 8 p.m., Sunday, January 22, at Wilkirson-Hatch-Bailey Funeral Home Garden Room, 6101 Bosque Blvd, Waco. Richard Scott was born Oct. 3, 1937, in St. Louis, Missouri, to Earl Ray and Celeste Irene Scott. He graduated from Farmington High School in 1957. He married his childhood friend, Carol Lou Jenkins, in 1960 and moved to Waco to attend Baylor University. He graduated from Baylor with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Religion and Business. He later earned his Master of Science degree in Health Care Administration from Trinity University in San Antonio and completed his health care administration residency at Scott & White Clinic in Temple. In 1961, Richard began working for Hillcrest Hospital as a cashier/admissions officer, thus beginning a 42-year career at Hillcrest, which included being a business office manager, vice president, executive vice president and then president and chief executive officer of Hillcrest Health Systems until his retirement in 2002. To know Richard was to know he had a love and passion for Hillcrest, and outstanding healthcare for the people of Waco. He was instrumental in the formation of various specialty services, like the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, a Level II trauma center, In-patient Rehabilitation, Hospice, and Hillcrest Family Health Centers. He considered Hillcrest Associates as an extension of his family and gave his lifelong career to bettering the institution in delivering high-quality healthcare to all residents of Central Texas. Employee photographs adorned the office wall behind his desk and in gold lettered inscription read, "I stand behind these people and these people stand behind me." Even during his last days he maintained his sense of humor and was able to recall the names of those who had worked for Hillcrest. Community involvement was extremely important to Richard, who felt a passion to serve his community through various nonprofit boards and church leadership positions. During his career, he served on many boards including: Greater Waco Chamber of Commerce chairman of the board; president of the Rotary Club of Waco; president of the board of the Dr. Pepper Museum & Education Foundation; chairman of the board of the Waco Business League; American Cancer Society medical advisory board; president of the board of the Waco Family Practice Foundation; chairman of the board of Leadership Waco; president of the United Way of Waco McLennan County; president of the Baptist Healthcare Association; VHA Southwest chairman of the board; Texas Hospital Association board member; Arthritis Foundation advisory committee; WISD Adopt-A-School advisory board member; and Waco Big 12 Steering Committee. Richard always said his first commitment in life was to God. He was never shy about professing his faith to all who met him and tried to spread the joy of Christ to all the lives he touched. Richard felt a special devotion to being involved in his church. Richard served as chairman of the deacons at Highland Baptist Church and then Chairman of the board and deacon chair at First Baptist Church Waco. He is preceded in death by his parents; and many aunts and uncles. He is survived by his beloved wife of 51 years, Carol; his two children, daughter, Suzanne Abbe and husband, Rick of Waco; and son, Dr. Richard E. Scott, Jr. and wife Sarah, of Waco; his grandchildren, Heather McCall and husband, Andrew, Haylee, Hannah, and Hunter Abbe, and Warner, Ethan, and Julia Scott; and by his brother, Earl Roger Scott and wife, Helen of New Braunfels; and many nieces and nephews. Pallbearers will be Warner Scott, Ethan Scott, Hunter Abbe, Andrew McCall, Jordan Beard, and Devon McPherson. Despite his many community activities, Richard always made time for his family – especially his grandchildren. He loved being a grandfather or G.P. as they called him. He thoroughly enjoyed attending their many sports and extracurricular activities. After his retirement one of his favorite activities was to host G.P. days where he would treat each individual grandchild to a special day for lunch and their favorite activity. Richard's family is especially grateful for the exceptional medical care he received from all his physicians, Hillcrest associates, Hospice providers, and especially "Visiting Angel," Dora Montgomery and the 6th Floor nursing staff in his last days. He leaves behind his devoted wife, life-long friend, help-mate, strongest advocate, and most faithful caregiver who lovingly served him by providing for his every need during his last years as he fought Parkinson's' Disease. Memorials may be made to Hillcrest Office of Development, 100 Hillcrest Medical Blvd., Waco, TX 76712 or First Baptist Waco Church Foundation 500 Webster, Waco, TX 76706. The family invites you to leave a message or memory in our "Memorial Guestbook" at www.WilkirsonHatchBailey.com.