Scott, Joseph (Joey) Franklin Jr

Joseph Franklin (Joey) Scott, Jr.
Photo: (Joey Scott (right) with his brother Gary)

Joey Scott is the son of Barbara Owens Scott and Joseph Franklin (J.F.) Scott of Kenly and was born on June 23, 1968. He and his younger brother Gary were raised on their family farm. They have spent most of their lives helping their parents and grandparents, Exum and Alma Scott raising crops and tending to livestock. He graduated from N.C. State University with a degree in agronomy in 1990. Afterward he married the former Patricia Reilly in 1992 with whom he has two sons, Franklin Exum born in 1994 and Wyatt Austin born in 1996.

Joey says that he wanted to be a farmer because of the bond he witnessed as his father and grandfather worked side by side. He also saw his father and grandfather helping in their community, raising production standards, and improving the land they worked. While in his sophomore year of high school, Joey's grandfather passed away. That very day he realized that his goal in life was to continue a tradition -- a tradition of serving God, his family, his community and farming as a way of life.

Church is an important part of Joey's life. He has served for many years as a Sunday School Teacher at St. Mary's Free Will Baptist Church. Joey hopes that teaching others about Christ will be his greatest contribution to society.

For eight years, Joey served on the Board of Directors for the Tobacco Farm Life Museum. This service was important to Joey because tobacco production is vital to the economy of North Carolina and our community The museum portrays how tobacco has positively influenced our culture for generations. Museum visitors have the chance to see how the values of hard work, dedication and the ability to overcome adversity has been passed down in the families of this farming community.

Four-H played a big role in Joey's young life. He participated in many livestock shows and events, 4-H presentations and interstate exchanges as a member of the St. Mary's 4-H Club. After graduating from college, Joey worked to help others in 4-H and the Cooperative Extension Service. He has served on the Wilson County Extension Advisory Council and as an officer in both the Wilson County Livestock Association, and Young Farmers Club. He was named the 1995 Outstanding Young Farmer in North Carolina. Farming with his brother and father, the Scotts grow tobacco, cotton, soybeans, wheat, and corn, and raise beef cattle.

Each of the organizations of which Joey has been a part are important to him and represent the value of service. However, he always keeps in mind the old saying, "The true measure of a man is not in his successes but in his children." Joey and his wife Tricia hope to raise their sons, Franklin and Wyatt to be citizens that are respected, trustworthy, God-fearing and able to have a positive influence on the world. They hope that their children will continue the Scott family tradition of excellence in agriculture.

Given to Mr. Scott by the Tobacco Farm Life Museum at the Excellence in Agriculture Dinner on November 30, 2000, honoring his outstanding contribution to our agribusiness community.