Friends, colleagues, and politicians react to Ward Scott’s passing: “His legacy will live on”
BY JENNIFER CABRERA
ALACHUA, Fla. – Ward Scott, host of the Ward Scott Files podcast, passed away peacefully in his sleep last night. He was 81 years old and remained active right up to his last day, when former Congressman Ted Yoho was a guest on his show.
Ward Scott was born on October 28, 1942, in Columbia, SC, to parents Thomas Jefferson Scott, a civil engineer, and Doris Scott, a former elementary schoolteacher, who lived to be 107 years old. He is survived by his wife, Barbara, and his brother Robert (Joan), along with Robert’s daughter Mary Kathryn and granddaughter Hannah. According to his brother, Ward showed great intellect at an early age by skipping the second grade. While living in Dayton, OH, he won the city-wide speech contest as a freshman in high school. He graduated from the University of Florida with an English degree in 1966 and earned a Master’s in Education in 1969.
A longtime member of db Racquet Club, Ward was an active tennis player and a line judge for University of Florida tennis matches.
Ward taught English at Santa Fe College for 40 years and wrote on his website, “I am a teacher by trade. I approach being a talk show host as I would a classroom. Using a storytelling form of narrative, I present local, state, national, and international issues in a way that engages the audience and makes them want to think about the subject. Making people think is the way of a teacher. You hear us say, ‘The truth is out there.’ Helping people see the truth is my first goal.”
Ward was a good friend to Alachua Chronicle, promoting our work on his podcast, posting links to our site on his site, and freely sharing his research and perspective on local events; both Len and Jennifer have been guests on his podcast several times, and Len was on the show for a full hour on February 8 to discuss his analysis of Alachua County’s 2023 crime data. We will miss his voice in our community.
Friends, colleagues, and politicians generously shared with us their appreciation for Ward’s friendship and legacy:
“We are all saddened to wake up to the news of Ward’s passing. A fierce conservative advocate and lover of the Gators, I am proud to have known him and called him a friend.
“Ward had a way of making everyone feel heard and valued. He had a genuine interest in people’s stories and experiences, and he took the time to listen. His funny and biting commentary was one of his strongest attributes as a gifted storyteller.
“His legacy will live on through the countless lives he touched and the positive change he brought to our community. His compassion, dedication, and kindness will continue to inspire others to make a difference in their own way. “
Congresswoman Kat Cammack
“I was saddened to hear the news of Ward’s passing. He was a man who lived his convictions and defended freedom and liberty his entire life. He will be greatly missed.”
Florida House Representative Chuck Clemons
“I was honored to be the ‘Chief Instigator’ for Ward’s weekday morning show, The Ward Scott Files. Having Ward as a friend and mentor will always be cherished.
“His legacy will outlive us all!”
“Chief Instigator” Mark Glaeser
“I am saddened by the loss to our community. Ward was a voice for many people from varying walks of life and was incredibly well-respected. I am going to miss him greatly.”
Newberry City Commissioner and frequent Guest Host Tim Marden
“I express my deepest condolences on the passing of Ward Scott, a cherished resident of Alachua, Florida, who dedicated his life to serving the community through his exceptional contributions at the Florida Association of Community Colleges (FACC). Ward’s impact went far beyond his professional duties, as he immersed himself in various facets of community life, becoming a beacon of inspiration in North Central Florida.
“His unwavering commitment to education and storytelling has left an indelible mark on our community. As a tireless advocate for knowledge and understanding, Ward became a prominent figure, touching the lives of countless individuals. He was a passionate advocate for the betterment of Alachua County.
“One of Ward’s most significant contributions was his role as the host of the Ward Scott Files Podcast. Through this platform, he shared stories, insights, and perspectives that resonated with his audience. Ward’s storytelling prowess was unmatched, captivating listeners with his eloquence and sincerity. Whether delving into local issues or exploring broader topics, Ward had a unique gift for making complex ideas accessible to all.
“I extend my heartfelt condolences to Ward Scott’s family, friends, and all those who were touched by his warmth and generosity. Ward’s legacy of service and dedication to education will endure, serving as a source of inspiration for future generations.”
Florida State Senator Keith Perry
“We lost a great friend, a great person, and a great partner this morning. Ward Scott passed away peacefully in his sleep last night. It’s a huge loss for our community. Ward was a wonderful storyteller and teacher.”
Freddie Wehbe on Facebook
“Ward has been a fixture in the community for decades. Ward was an educator/professor, farmer/rancher, patriot, and friend to many. Ward loved Alachua County, the people of it, Florida, America, and the Constitution. He was a conservative voice heard throughout the country and world. He spoke truth and fairness and did it with respect. He and his podcast, The Ward Scott Files, will be missed by many, and his passing will leave a void in the broadcast world. I am honored to have known him and to have been a friend.”
Former Congressman Ted Yoho, a weekly guest on the Ward Scott Files
So sad for his family, it is always painful for the ones left behind. I listened and enjoyed his commentary.
Gainesville lost the voice of sanity in an insane community
Rest in Peace. You will be missed.
RIP my sincere condolences to his widow and family. He will be missed.
I’m devastated. A tremendous loss for this community.
Many a Saturday spent sipping coffee watching the birds and listening to the podcast. A talent with the right ideas.
May his memory be a blessing
He gave us the straight, unvarnished, truth about our government. That will be difficult to replace. Ward was committed to his community will be sorely missed. May God Bless Ward’s family and bring them peace.
His legacy in this community is truly immeasurable. He was an unwavering champion, fearlessly defending our freedoms and preserving our way of life. Life granted him an extra inning, a rare gift bestowed upon only a fortunate few. Honor and integrity were not just qualities he possessed, but rather the very foundation of his being. We shall forever feel his absence, for his departure leaves an undeniable void.
Uncle ward will forever be a staple in our community and in our family. You will forever live in our hearts. Fly high
I had him as an instructor in 05, great teacher and very influential.
Gainesville just lost a great communicator, a great educator, a great facilitator for difficult conversations. He will be missed.
Some of us were blessed to be his students at GHS in 12th grade English class 1967 to 68.We all learned so much from Ward and the best thing he taught us was to think about our life and the world around us and how we could make an impact as we went out in the world.
Ward was my ENC 1101 and 2301 teacher. He was a great teacher. I’ll never forget when he brought his potbelly pig to class. So fun. RIP ‘Warthog’
Ward had a brilliant mind supporting an amazing width and depth of knowledge. He was a repository of information about the history of Gainesville going back for decades. He regaled conversations with his reminisces of his personal encounters with prominent figures in the worlds of art and literature. I sincerely believe discussions with him always left me a little bit smarter. I will miss his humor and his gregarious laughter. The world is diminished by his loss.
Who could be the turd who gives a thumbs down on every comment?
The niece who gave a heartfelt tribute and you gave her a thumbs down.
Whoever you are, you are a despicable person.
Citizen Shane,
I thought the same thing. Who trolls a death announcement and posts a thumbs down on each post? Pretty rude indeed
Finally. Change is in the air as these unchangeable dinosaurs meet their respective meteors.
You earned the idiot of the day award.
What a colorful person Ward. I was able to work with him many years ago by working with him on numerous campaigns throughout Alachua County. Thank you my friend. RIP.
I had known Ward for almost 40years. He was a Good Friend and supporter of the ARTS Especially DANCE ALIVE ! He is missed around everywhere in Gainesville, Fl