Benjamin Acey Scott, Jr., (USAF Major Ret.), 85, of Richmond, died Saturday, June 2, surrounded by his family. Ben is survived by his loving wife of 59 years, Alice May. He also is survived by his son and duaghter-in-law, Ben and Gayle Scott of Austin, Tx.; his daughter, Helen "Scotti" Smith of yardley, Pa.; and his two grandsons, Justin Smith of Chestertown, Md. and Adam Smith of Reston.

A beloved husband, father, and grandfather, he was raised in Danville. He was a veteran of both World War II and the Korean War, and a career officer, retiring in 1970 from 27 years as a pilot in the U.S. Air Force. In WWII, he flew a B26 Martin marauder on 27 combat missions with the 320th Bomb Group in France. During his career he also flew the B47 and the B52.

After his retirement, he and Alice May returned to their home state of Virginia, where he worked at United Virginia Bank for 10 years in the Trust Real Estate Department. He served as president for the Richmond chapter of the Institute of Real Estate Management, as well as the Richmond chapter of the Retired Officers Association. Ben was an active member of River Road United Methodist Church and later of Second Baptist Church, where he sang in both choirs.

The viewing will be held Tuesday evening, June 5, from 6-9 p.m. at the Woody Funeral Home on Parham Road in Richmond. Burial will be on Wed., June 6 with a graveside service at 10 a.m. at Salem Methodist Church in Gloucester, Va. A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. June 6, at Second Baptist Church, 9614 River Road, in Richmond.

In lieu of flowers, Ben would have appreciated donations to the Music Ministry of Second Baptist Church, 9614 River Road, Richmond VA 23229.