Glenn Allen Scott, retired associate editor of the Norfolk Virginian-Pilot, died suddenly on Feb. 8, 2016 in Norfolk, at the age of 83, ending a long, influential life. He was born on July 22, 1932 to Jesse and Lillian Scott, and was raised in Smithfield.

He grew up working at his family’s business, The Smithfield Times and printing shop in the afternoons while in high school. His experience in the family business combined with his love of reading helped to develop his lifelong interest in journalism.

After graduating from Smithfield High School in 1950, he graduated from Washington and Lee University with a degree in journalism. During his senior year, he wrote a novel that was later published by E.P. Dutton. After graduating from college, he served in the United States Army for two years. He continued his military service as a Naval Reserve intelligence officer, retiring two decades later as a Captain.

He joined the Virginian-Pilot in 1956 as acting book editor. Over his 45-year career there, he was known for his passion and wit, his eloquent writing, his courage to address controversial issues and his love of Hampton Roads. He retired from his position as associate editorial page editor in 2001. He was an active member of his community in many capacities. He served as senior warden at Christ and St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, president of the Norfolk Forum, chair of the Norfolk Bicentennial Commission, founder of the Ghent Civic League, member of the board of the Virginia Foundation for the Humanities, a longtime member of the Norfolk Rotary Club and several other civic boards.

His editorials often had an impact on the local community as well. He advocated preserving public green space in the downtown Norfolk waterfront, supported the development of Eastern Virginia Medical School and the Norfolk campus of Tidewater Community=College and promoted the local arts.

He and his late wife, the Rev. Anne C. Bower, MD, started a cultural endowment in their names at the Hampton Roads Community Foundation. The fund was created to support arts and culture in Hampton Roads.

Glenn in survived by his five children and six grandchildren, his sister and only sibling, Virginia Scott Dillon and her spouse Alvin.

The Rev. Canon Win Lewis will lead the celebration of Glenn’s life on Saturday, Feb. 20 at 11 a.m. at Christ and Saint Luke’s Episcopal Church in Norfolk.

In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory can be made to the Hampton Roads Community Foundation, earmarked to Scott-Brower Fund at 101 W. Main St., Suite 4500, Norfolk, VA 23510, online at hamptonroadscf.org or to Christ and St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, 560 W. Olney Road, Norfolk, VA 23501.