Prince, Scott Dugger

Scott Dugger Prince, of Blacksburg, and St. Simons Island, Ga., passed away Friday afternoon, September 2, 2016, surrounded by his family. Though still just shy of his 64th birthday, Scott accomplished much in his all-too-short life and left a mark on all those who he encountered.

A larger-than-life personality, Scott welcomed friends and strangers alike into his home and enjoyed being surrounded by good people. Scott always commanded the attention of any room with his ability to make everyone laugh. He will be remembered for his kind spirit, his sharp sense of humor, and his knack for storytelling.

Raised in Emporia, Scott came to Blacksburg in 1971 to attend Virginia Tech. Upon graduating from Virginia Tech in 1975, Scott founded Prince Oil Company in Giles County, which he grew throughout the New River Valley until he retired in 2007. Scott was a proud small business owner, learning the values of hard work and appreciation for those with whom he worked. He contributed greatly to the community, serving on the Giles Memorial Hospital Board among others.

Scott was also a proud Virginia Tech alumnus, giving generously to the university throughout his life. A member of Blacksburg Country Club and Sea Island Club, Scott enjoyed spending time with friends on the golf course and was a member of the Hackin’ Hokies. Summers were spent with family and friends at Smith Mountain Lake.

Scott retired to St. Simons Island in 2007 and remained a full-time resident until recent months, when he and his wife, Mary, relocated back to Blacksburg. Scott was diagnosed in summer 2015 with metastatic squamous cell carcinoma and was treated at MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, Texas, as well as by Dr. Duane Moores of Brunswick, Ga., and Dr. Harry McCoy of Blacksburg,. Scott fought bravely and was cared for lovingly by his wife, family, and friends. He kept everyone laughing until his final days.

Scott is survived by his beloved wife, Mary Turk Prince of Blacksburg. He is also survived by his son, Matthew Scott Prince and daughter-in-law, Kate of Atlanta, Ga.; as well as his three stepdaughters, Margo Lapitino Lofaro and husband Matthew, of Barrington, R.I., Laura Lapitino of New York, N.Y., and Sarah Lapitino also of New York, N.Y. Scott was the brother of Mrs. Polly Miller and husband Garnett of Wytheville, Dr. William Daniel Prince III and wife Lauren of Martinsville, and Mrs. Anne Deuchler and husband Bill of Winter Park, Fla., and loved his many nieces and nephews. Scott was the son of the late William Daniel Prince Jr. and Esther Lewis Prince.

A visitation will be held Tuesday, September 6, 2016, from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at McCoy Funeral Home in Blacksburg, followed by a graveside service at 1 p.m. at Sunrise Burial Park in Fairlawn, officiated by Pastor Charles Henderson. Memorial contributions can be made to Good Samaritan Hospice, 1160 Moose Dr., NW, Christiansburg, VA 24073.