Category: 1946

Legh R. Scott, Jr. ’46, longtime Atlanta physician and cofounder of Northside Hospital, passed away July 14, after complications from recent surgery. He was 86 years old. Scott, the son and grandson of Presbyterian ministers, was born on July 21, 1922, in Valdosta, Ga. As a teenager, his family moved to Goldsboro, N.C., where he graduated from high school in 1939 before enrolling in Davidson. Scott’s college career, like many of his generation, was interrupted by World War II, during which he served with distinction as a first lieutenant in the U.S. Third Army in Europe. He was awarded the Purple Heart for wounds received in combat, as well as commendations for leadership and bravery. At the time of his final hospitalization, he proudly reported as part of his medical history the presence of “Nazi hardware” in his leg. Scott returned to Davidson following the war, where he graduated with honors. He attended Emory University’s School of Medicine, graduating with honors in 1950. Following his residencies, Scott opened his medical practice in Atlanta, specializing in internal medicine. During his almost 40-year career, he was an integral part of the Atlanta medical community, and mentor to countless young doctors. He was also part of a group of visionary physicians whose efforts, beginning in 1962, led to the founding of Northside Hospital, today one of Atlanta’s leading hospitals. Scott was a long-standing member of Northwest Presbyterian Church, where he served as a deacon and elder, and he enjoyed playing golf and socializing with his many friends. He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Martha Jo Craven Scott, 1260 Hightower Trl., Apt. 302, Atlanta, GA 30350-6260; children, Neal C. Scott (Debra), David J. Scott, and Martha S. Swain (Bruce); three grandchildren, Margaret A. Swain, William W. Swain, and Josephine N. Swain; and his sister, Margaret S. Cathey.

Samuel J. Patton ’46, of Toccoa, Ga., and formerly of Decatur, Ga., died April 18, 2008, at Toccoa Nursing Center. A son of the late James G. ’16 and Katherine Jones Patton, he was born June 27, 1924, in Atlanta and spent his early years in Abingdan and Waynesboro, Va. He attended Davidson until he was called into service for his country. He was a veteran of WWII, serving in the U.S. Army Air Corps and was stationed in England for three and a half years. He graduated with the Class of 1950 from the University of Virginia. He was a member of the V-Club, having played baseball for four years. He was also a member of the Eli Banana Society. He was a lifelong member of the Presbyterian Church, where he served as an officer of the church for more than 50 years, as well as a Sunday school teacher and class president. He also was an active Stephen minister. After graduation from U.Va., he moved to Orange, Va., where he coached football and baseball at Orange County High School. Later, he served in the Orange County Volunteer Rescue Squad and became one of the first life members. He loved helping people and giving back to the community. After several years, he became an executive in a hosiery company. The remainder of his career was spent as a sales representative and sales manager for several art needlework companies. He was a member of First Presbyterian Church of Toccoa and a former member of Clairmont Presbyterian Church in Decatur. He was preceded in death by his sons, Richard E. Patton and Samuel J. Patton, Jr., and twin brothers, James G. Patton ’46 and Claude “Red” Patton. Survivors include his wife of 57 years, Elizabeth Merkel Patton, 7104 Crawford Hill Cir., Toccoa, GA 30577-8822; a daughter, Ann Lynn Patton; and sister, Mrs. William B. Carssaw.