Donald E. Scott was born in Double Bridges, TN, a small community outside Dyersburg, on May 3, 1934 to Johnnie James Scott, Sr. and Willie Selma (Gibson) Scott. He helped his father sharecrop before he enlisted in the U. S. Navy in 1952. It was while stationed to U. S. Naval Activities in Madrid, Spain that he met the love of his life, Margarita. They were married at NAS Millington in April 1959, before being assigned to San Diego, CA. Don was honorably discharged from active duty in 1961, then enlisted in the Navy Reserves, from which he retired after serving 19 years.

Don worked for Union Planters Bank for 29 years, where he was a leader in technology. He was instrumental in automation many manual processes, such as check processing and installing the first online teller system. He installed one of the first banking ATM systems, nicknamed Annie The Anytime Teller, not only in the Memphis area, but in the entire country. He was a well respected leader, as evidenced by being named "Boss of the Year – 1992". He retired in 1992 after implementing new teller, platform and loan systems for the bank.

Don was preceded in death by his parents, sisters Elizabeth Chandler, Margie Akins, and Jeanette "Ted" Archer, his brothers Johnnie James "Peck" Scott, Bill Scott, and Samuel William Scott, nephews Danny Archer and Mike Chandler. He is survived by his loving wife, Margarita, and their spoiled fur-baby Wally, as well as his brother Tony Scott (Glenda) of Hernando, MS and sister Diane Cogburn of Sanford, FL, niece Barbara Nabors, nephew Jimmy Chandler (Anita), niece Dannie Long (Hugh), and nephew Dwain Scott (Shannon). He was affectionately known by Uncle Gene by a host of additional nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks any donations be made to the Alzheimer's Association or to the Memphis Humane Society. The family will receive friends from 1 until 2 p.m. Friday at Forest Hill Funeral Home East. Funeral services will be 2 p.m. Friday at Forest Hill Funeral Home East Chapel. Interment will follow at Forest Hill Memorial Park East.