Before he grew to 6-foot-4, became a Missouri Sports Hall of Famer and built a respected law practice from the ground up, Louie Joe Scott was simply a little boy in pint-sized overalls from Gainesville, Mo. He hunted squirrels with his mother and his best friend was a black and white hound named Pal.
Despite the success Scott has earned throughout his 79 years, he still remembers when life was less abundant. The stone house in which he grew up is now overgrown, but serves as a reminder of when his next meal depended on the efforts of his family.
To say Scott lives by the notion, "Service is the rent we pay for the space we occupy in this world," would be the truth, according to Judy, his wife of more than 50 years. She said she finds it no surprise that her husband has devoted nearly three decades to the United Gospel Rescue Mission's Board of Directors and to helping those who have nowhere else to turn.
As part of the Mission's 50th Anniversary Celebration on Thursday, Scott will be honored for his service and dedicated efforts toward bettering the community.
"Joe is the smartest guy I've ever known," said Rescue Mission Director Greg Kirk, describing Scott's effectiveness as a leader. "The thing I love about Joe is that he'll never shine you on and he will always tell you the truth, whether you like it or not. He's said some things I didn't want to hear, but he was always right."
Scott said his involvement with the Rescue Mission began in the late 1980s when former director Jim Dunn asked Judy to serve on the Mission's Board of Directors. She declined, but recommended her husband whom she felt was better suited for the role.
Judy said her husband has always been an incredibly kind and giving man, whose wisdom guides his decisions.
According to local historian John Stanard, the Mission was in poor financial shape when Scott arrived.
Dunn said earning enough money to operate the facility was often difficult, but he continued to believe that in the end, "the Lord will provide." Judy said Dunn was correct; the Lord did provide and it was Scott whom He provided. Scott tells the story a bit differently, shying away from the credit granted by his wife.
Kirk described Scott as an enigma. He said the barrister's personality is one of a kind and that he has been fortunate to benefit from his leadership. Kirk said the pair have become great friends since he came to Poplar Bluff in 2006 when he was hired to direct the Rescue Mission.
"My father was a lot like Joe," he said. "I could tell you in five seconds the way the day was going to go by the way he said, 'Good morning.' I feel like Joe has become a father to me."
Kirk said Scott is, "The most likable and unlikable guy at the same time."
"I don't know how else to say it," he said through a grin. "You can't figure Joe Scott out, but the one thing you can figure about him is that he will always be Joe. He doesn't change. He's immutable."
Scott's son, John, referred to his father as "a unique combination of strength, thoughtfulness and generosity." John also is an attorney and serves as president of the Poplar Bluff R-1 Board of Education.
"Because of my dad's humble beginnings, he has always been kind and generous to those less fortunate," he said. "He has always led by example as long as I can remember and taught me the importance of giving back and helping others."
Aside from his work with the Rescue Mission, Scott has served on various other civic boards, including the Poplar Bluff Park and Recreation Dept. Board of Directors for more than 20 years. He is currently the Vice-President of the Three Rivers College Foundation.
Professionally, Scott was admitted to the Missouri Bar in 1966 after graduating from the University of Missouri-Columbia School of Law.
According to Stanard, it is narrowly known that Scott was the first person admitted to Missouri's law program whose undergraduate degree is in physical education.
Stanard said Scott, whom he described as his best friend, taught school and coached basketball for one year at Willow Springs High School before deciding to explore an alternate profession.
Scott has held various offices within the Missouri Bar Association. He is a proud Republican and has been active in local and state politics through the years. Scott has donated much of his time and career expertise to many other non-profit organizations including Friends of the Poplar Bluff Library and the Poplar Bluff Mules Booster Club.
He also made a lasting mark during his undergraduate years on University of Missouri sports.
Before the 3-point shot and the 35-second shot clock in college basketball, the Gainesville Gunner scored a record 46 points against the University of Nebraska Cornhuskers on March 6, 1961. The game was played in Brewer Field House on Mizzou's campus. Fifty-seven years later, the record still stands as the single game scoring record at Missouri.
Scott said the reason he has remained an integral part of the United Gospel Rescue Mission is because he feels a personal responsibility to take care of others.
He bashfully admitted he is proud of the work he has accomplished with the Christian organization.
"I just think charity starts at home," Scott said. "We have people that have needs of food, clothing, and shelter that are our people, Americans. Some are not deserving, but I feel like we've got to take care of the country we've got."