Late congressman David Scott will lie in state at Georgia Capitol

The late Georgia congressman David Scott will be back under the Gold Dome one final time Friday.

Just a day after voting in the House, U.S. Representative Scott died April 22 at the age of 80.

The longtime politician represented Georgia's 13th congressional district, which includes parts of Clayton, Henry, Rockdale, Newton, Gwinnett and DeKalb Counties in the Atlanta metro area.

On May 1, a memorial ceremony will be held for the Atlanta-area representative at the Georgia State Capitol, Scott's office announced.

"The family of Congressman Scott thanks Governor Kemp for extending this honor, and for the incredible outpouring of grief, love, and support from the countless friends, constituents, and elected officials who knew or were helped by the Congressman over his lifetime," his team said in a statement.

When is David Scott's memorial service?

A celebration of life open to the public will start at 11 a.m. at the state capitol on Friday, May 1.

Once the ceremony is finished, Scott will continue to lie in state in the capitol until 5 p.m. where Georgians can come and pay their respects.

"Please note that there is only one entrance into the Georgia State Capitol and it requires security screening, so arrive early to attend the memorial ceremony," Scott's office said. "The Georgia Building Authority will have the South Deck open and parking will be free. The nearest MARTA stop to the Capitol is Georgia State."

A funeral will be held for Scott on Saturday, May 2 at Elizabeth Baptist Church at 4245 Cascade Road SW, Atlanta at 11 a.m.

"In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the David Scott Foundation, which will offer financial assistance to graduating high school seniors residing in Georgia's Thirteenth Congressional District who will be attending an HBCU," Scott's office said.

Scott's public service celebrated

Concerns about Scott's health circulated Capitol Hill in recent years, but he was seeking another term in the House in the 2026 midterms. A cause of death was not initially released and Scott's office said his death was "unexpected." His office later confirmed he died of natural causes.

Scott served in congress for more than two decades after working in the Georgia General Assembly beginning in 1974.

Scott moved to Atlanta after finishing his education and started an advertising business, Dayn-Mark Advertising. He married Alfredia Aaron, becoming the brother-in-law of Atlanta Braves legend Hank Aaron.

The representative first worked in politics in 1972 when he joined Andrew Young's congressional campaign, to Young's success. He ran on his own in 1974 and was elected to the Georgia State House, where he served until 1982.

In his 24 years in Congress, Scott served on the Financial Services Committee, Agriculture Committee and NATO Parliamentary Assembly.

According to his office, Scott was focused on climate change, criminal justice and law enforcement reform, education, healthcare, housing, immigration, labor and employment, transportation and infrastructure, veterans affairs and more during his tenure.

"David Scott was a Georgian's Georgian. For decades, Congressman Scott was the embodiment of public service in our state. Throughout his years in the Georgia General Assembly and later in the U.S. Congress, he made uplifting and supporting the people of Georgia his top priority," Georgia Senator Raphael Warnock said in a statement on April 22.

Democratic Senator Jon Ossoff said Scott "devoted his life to public service and the State of Georgia," according to a statement. He said Georgia "is a better place thanks to the service of Congressman Scott."

Irene Wright covers politics in Georgia as the Atlanta Connect reporter with USA Today’s Deep South Connect team. Find her on X @IreneEWright or email her at [email protected].