FRANKLIN — Don William “Bill” Scarboro, 65, peacefully passed away on Friday, Sept. 27, 2019.

Bill was born in Corpus Christi, Texas, on Oct. 19, 1953, and was the son of Don Scarboro and Audrey Fulcher Scarboro. He grew up in Rocky Mount, North Carolina.

Bill married the love of his life, Rebecca “Becky” Lou Copeland, of Woodland, North Carolina, on Sept. 10, 1983. The two were married for 36 years until the time of Bill’s death.

In addition to his wife, surviving are three sons and their families, William Johnson Scarboro of Covington, Louisiana, wife, Erica Thompson, and their son, William James Scarboro; Don Benthall “Ben” Scarboro of Roanoke, Virginia, wife, Hannah Koontz; and Clifton Grant Scarboro of Raleigh, North Carolina; two sisters, Lynne Scarboro Cotter of Raleigh, and her husband, Peter James Cotter; and Carol Scarboro Willis of Franklinton, North Carolina, and her husband, Dennis Edward Willis Jr.; two brothers-in-law, Cliff Copeland of Edenton, North Carolina, and his wife, Anna; and William Copeland of Birmingham, Alabama, and his wife, Dawn.

Bill was predeceased by two siblings, Donna Lane Scarboro and William Gregory Scarboro, and his father, Don Scarboro.

Bill graduated from NC State University, Summa Cum Laude, with a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering in 1975, and a Master of Science in Electrical Engineering in 1976. He loved playing in the NC State Marching Band and always remained an avid Wolfpack fan. He also obtained a Master of Business Administration from Averett University.

After graduation, he was first employed by Sirrine and later accepted a position with Union Camp Corp. in Franklin, Virginia, in 1987. He remained with Union Camp and later International Paper working in various roles in power engineering culminating in his role as production manager until the time of his death. A devoted employee, he spearheaded many expansions of the mill including the 9-10 Turbine Generator Project, and was instrumental in the recovery of the mill after Hurricane Floyd. He was also significantly involved in the repurposing of the mill after it closed in 2010.

A faithful member of Franklin Baptist Church, Bill was a member of the choir and a two-term deacon among other positions. Additionally, Bill remained active in many civic endeavors. He served many years on the Franklin City Public School Board, and served multiple terms as chairman of the board. He also served on the Franklin City Council as an interim councilman.

One of his greatest passions were the Franklin Boy Scout Troops 17 and 28. He continued to volunteer as an assistant scoutmaster for many years even after his sons left for college. He served as both an assistant scoutmaster and Siouan Rivers District commissioner. He received numerous mentorship awards from boys who had earned the Eagle Scout Award, and was especially proud that two of his sons obtained the rank as well. He was also the recipient of the Silver Beaver Award for his dedicated service. Bill was also involved in the Order of the Arrow, scouting’s national honor society, where he received the Vigil Honor, the Founder’s Award and he served as a Nottoway Chapter advisor for many years.

Bill also maintained a passion for music throughout his life. He enjoyed playing the clarinet, piano and banjo.

He was also a proud new grandfather and enjoyed spending time with his grandson, Will.

Bill will not be remembered for this obituary. Instead, he will be remembered and memorialized by the collective memories of family and friends who acknowledge and remember his Christian, civic and personal contributions to their lives.

Funeral arrangements are provided by Wright Funeral Home of Franklin. Visitation will be in Wright Funeral Home on Wednesday, Oct. 2, from 6:30 to 8 p.m. The memorial service will be at 11 a.m. on Thursday, Oct. 3, in Franklin Baptist Church, and will be officiated by the Rev. Dr. Charles Qualls, the Rev. Sharon James and the Rev. Steve Gibson.

Friends may join the family in the fellowship hall immediately following the service and at all other times in the residence.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in memory of Bill may be made to Franklin Baptist Church (208 N. High St., Franklin, VA 23851); Franklin Boy Scouts Troop 17 (c/o High Street United Methodist Church, P.O Box 218, Franklin, VA 23851); or any other charity of your choice.

www.wrightfuneralhome.org.