Willard Scott

Willard Nelson Scott, just short of his 83rd birthday, went to be with the Lord at his home in Billings, Montana, on Wednesday, September 17, 2025.

Willard was born October 6, 1942, in Billings, Montana, and grew up in Hardin. He was the son of the late Willard Jay Scott (1897–1981) of La Crosse, Wisconsin, and Margaret Elizabeth (Nelson) Scott (1909–1995) of Joliet, Montana.

A proud veteran, Willard entered the U.S. Army as a Private E-1 and was honorably discharged at the rank of Sergeant (E-5), 327th Signal Company (327 SIG CO). His specialty was Microwave Communications (MOS), where he held a Top-Secret clearance with the War Department. He bravely served two tours in Vietnam (1969–1971), including service at Firebase Dian. His commendations included the Vietnam Campaign, Vietnam Defense, Vietnam Gallantry Cross, Army Service Medal, Expert Marksman with Auto Rifle BAR, Marksman Badge with Rifle Bar, Vietnam Service Medal with one Silver Service Star, Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Ribbon w/Device (1960), and the Vietnam Service Plaque for service at Firebase Dian.

Before his enlistment, Willard worked for Continental and Amerada Petroleum Corporation, the Holly Sugar Factory, Hardin Safeway, and briefly with Bullis Mortuary. After graduating from Hardin High School, he enrolled at Eastern Montana College.

In 1962, at the age of 20, Willard survived a serious two-car accident outside of Poplar, Montana, on May 7. His car rolled twice, and he was thrown from the vehicle, striking the pavement. He was in a state of shock, hemorrhaging severely from his left ear, and diagnosed with a fractured skull. Doctors believed the ear hemorrhage may have saved his life. He remained unconscious for a week, and though he eventually recovered, the injury left lasting effects — the permanent loss of his sense of smell and a diminished sense of taste. For years after, he feared he would lose hearing in his left ear, but he persevered and continued forward with determination.

When notified he was at the top of the draft list, he entered the Delayed Enlistment Program, allowing him to finish his education. He graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Education with a double major in Art, with hopes of becoming an art teacher.

Upon returning home from Vietnam, Willard carried the weight of his experiences and found it difficult to be around crowds. He turned to self-employment as a paint contractor, where he was known for his diligence, precision, and reliability. He partnered with his longtime friend, Monk Sloan, for many years in the painting business. He also worked in construction, took on substitute teaching assignments, and served in custodial roles at Riverside Middle School and Billings Central High School.

Throughout his working life, those who knew him described him as courteous, dependable, conscientious, and fair — a man of integrity who could be counted on to do the right thing. He was honest, loyal, hardworking, and deeply committed to his family. Letters of recommendation described him as considerate with students and staff, a caring and trustworthy family man, and a diligent worker who often worked through the night to meet deadlines.

Willard was also a gifted artist and musician. He had an uncanny ability to play the piano by ear, able to perform nearly any popular song from memory when requested. He was well-rounded, always smiling, and deeply caring toward his friends and family. Raised in a Methodist household, he held strong religious values, and honesty and integrity were the cornerstones of his character. Though it was sometimes difficult for him to express his feelings, he loved his family deeply and supported his children in all of their endeavors. He was proud of his family heritage, which included his grandfather, William J. Scott, who emigrated from County Down, Ireland, served in the 40th Regiment of Wisconsin Infantry Volunteers during the Civil War, was later Mayor of Hardin, Montana, and a member of the Montana House of Representatives. His father, Willard J. Scott, served as a Private in WWI, and his uncle, Ralph V. Scott, also served in WWI before playing professional football for the Chicago Bears alongside Red Grange. Both are buried at the Little Bighorn Battlefield National Cemetery.

On November 17, 1972, Willard married Sandi in Red Lodge, Montana. Their marriage spanned more than 50 years and though often tested by hardship, it endured through seasons of difficulty as well as devotion. Sandi walked beside Willard through the challenges he carried home from Vietnam, bearing the weight of those struggles with strength and persistence. Together, they built a life marked by perseverance, family commitment, and resilience.

Willard also shared a close relationship with his youngest sister, Mary, whose faith and steadfast support became a guiding light to him in his most difficult times. He leaned on her when life felt too heavy to bear, and she consistently tried to share her faith with him, offering comfort and encouragement.

Willard is survived by his wife, Sandi Scott; his children, Christian Scott and Tracy Scott; his sister, Ruth Catherine Guy, and her sons, Steven and Christopher Guy; and numerous cousins. He is also remembered fondly by his close friends, Joe Driskell, Monk Sloan, and Robert Hartzog.

Funeral services will be held on Thursday, September 25, 2025, at 12:00 p.m. (noon) at Dahl Funeral Chapel, 10 Yellowstone Ave, Billings, MT. Burial with full military honors will follow at 2:00 p.m. at Yellowstone National Cemetery in Laurel.

The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the VA, especially his longtime nurse Tammy, as well as his hospice caretakers, and Dahl Funeral Chapel for their compassionate support. Special thanks to Fr. Steve and Fr. Pat Zabrocki for officiating the service, Glenda Newman for sharing her gift of music on the piano.  The family also wishes to thank all who reached out with condolences through phone calls, texts, cards, and flowers. Your kindness and support are deeply appreciated.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to: K9s for Warriors, Dog Tag Buddies, Beartooth Haven, Yellowstone Animal Shelter, ASPCA (American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals), Yellowstone Art Museum, or the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW).