Scott, Ralph Edward Jr

Ralph Edward Scott, Jr. was born on June 8, 1952, in Wilson, North Carolina. His parents, Ralph E. and Wanda Barnes Scott, lived on their farm in the St. Mary's Community of Wilson County. Eddie spent his early years with his father tending the crops, fishing, and hunting; and a love of nature, farm life, and outdoor activities was nurtured by the family's daily life.

Eddie attended Kenly Elementary School, North Johnston High School, and N.C. State University. While in high school, he was a member of the National Honor Society, served as vice-president of the Senior Class of 1970, and was awarded the "I Dare You" Award upon graduation. During his college years, he was President of the Agronomy Club and winner of the Agronomy Club Speech and Essay Contest. He graduated with honors in 1974 with a BS Degree in Agronomy Technology.

Eddie married the former Wanda Kay Jones in 1970, and they made their home on the Scott family farm where Eddie and his father worked side by side until his father's retirement in 1982.

Eddie has always sought to portray a positive image of eastern North Carolina farm life. He strives to produce a quality crop in an efficient manner and endeavors to acquire knowledge of new and innovative methods and procedures that improve production. He was recognized as the 1982 North Carolina Outstanding Young Farmer by the North Carolina Jaycees and in 1987 was recognized by Philip Morris as an Outstanding Young Tobacco Farmer. He is a member of the North Carolina Sixty-Bushel Club for soybean production, and has been a finalist in the State Farm Bureau Speak Meet. On the lighter side, he also has been a winner of the Wilson County Livestock Show and Sale Old Timer's Showmanship contest!

Eddie has been active in community organizations. He has served as president of the Kenly Area Jaycees and as both president and treasurer of the Wilson County Young Farmers' Club. He is a founder of the Tobacco Farm Life Museum and has been a member of the museum Board of Directors for seventeen years. He was an original tour farmer during the years of the on-farm tours that were the origins of the museum. His desire to make a positive presentation of Eastern North Carolina farm life is apparent in his work with the tobacco museum. Eddie is a member of the Board of Directors of KS Bank.

Eddie and his family have always attended Kenly United Methodist Church. Eddie is a member of this church and has served in various areas including lay leader, Sunday School teacher, Sunday School Superintendent, Chairman of the Administrative Council, and is presently a trustee.

Eddie and Wanda have two children: Angela Scott Abrams in 1970 and Brandon Edward Scott born in 1977. Both children have made their homes on the Scott family farms. Angela, however, is a nurse; and Brandon, a high school history teacher. Eddie is quick to say that he is the proud parent of both a UNC graduate and an N.C. State graduate.

Eddie has one sister, Suzanne S. Bailey, and one brother, Dr. Richard David Scott, both of whom maintain an active interest in and tremendous respect for the Scott family farming tradition. Eddie is looking forward to one day being able to travel and spend more time with family and friends. His belief that one should "do the best you can with what you've got!" has served him well.

Given to Mr. Scott by the Tobacco Farm Life Museum at the Excellence in Agriculture Dinner on November 30, 2000, honoring his outstanding contribution to our agribusiness community.