William "Billy" Paul Scott Jr.

On August 9, 2021 Bill Scott, beloved father, grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle, cousin, brother, friend, and retired Phoenix Fireman legend and hero, took his last breath after fighting Stage 4 bladder cancer at the age of 69. He was born in Phoenix, AZ on November 6th, 1951 to mother, Molly Cota and father, William "Billy" Scott Sr. His Father and mother were musicians and passed their talents on to each of their children. His mother, Amelia "Molly" Cota, passed at a young age leaving Bill to take care of and help raise his 4 younger siblings: Susie, Danny, Paul, and Robert while his father worked. He attended Cortez High School and graduated in 1970. He started playing piano at a young age and starting performing in different bars throughout the Valley at the age of 15 years old. Throughout his life he picked up other instruments like the keyboards, trumpet, banjo, guitar, accordion, etc. He met Stella Garcia during his early musical career and fell in love with her. They were married on 12/19/1970 and had 3 children together, Arnie, Molly (Gabe) and Dolly. He joined the Phoenix Fire department in 1973 following the family tradition that dates back to his great-great grandfather, William L. Scott, who was a co-founder of the Phoenix Fire Department in 1886-1887. He was a fireman for 30 years while continuing to play music at various casinos, bars, and restaurants with many bands throughout his years, some that he even created. While working with Phoenix Fire Department he was a part of "Tiller and Friends" and also created a Musicate Program that would deliver safety messages in song and music videos like "Seat Belt Mama", where he performed at various schools throughout the valley, Indian Steele Park on 4th of July, and other holidays/occasions throughout the years. He was an original "old guard" member of the Phoenix Fire Department/IAFF Local 493 Honor Guard and was their first Bugler, where he played Taps and honored firefighters and law enforcement officers in Phoenix and the Tucson area. After retirement from Phoenix Fire Department he still continued working with them by playing Taps in the Honor Guard and playing his Musicate shows as "Fire Pal Bill." He and Stella moved to Tucson after retirement where he joined the board of Avra Valley Fire Department. He enjoyed helping others, his family, having fun, fishing, and of course playing music. He continued to play at Gila River Casinos and other bars/restaurants, until he was unable to play due to cancer which was diagnosed July 1st of 2021. He was loved by all his family: nieces, nephews, cousins, etc., and especially by his grandchildren: Anthony (& Brittany), Billy (& Cameron), JT, Aaron, Alexis, Gabby, Gabriel Jr., Jayda, and Julian. He was also blessed to have spent time with his great grandchildren as well: Sienna, Amelia and Anthony Jr. He was a family man that would love you with open arms and would always have an open house if you needed a place to stay, without hesitation. Bill is a known true hero, a talented musician, former fireman legend, lifelong performer, and a pillar in the Phoenix & Tucson communities. Fire Pal Bill utilized his unique talents and personal values to make this world a better and safer place for all. Fire Pal Bill taught kids how to be safe while having fun and he gave parents a role model for their kids to look up to and learn from. Bill knew how to make everyone feel included, have fun, and feel loved. And if you were lucky enough to catch him with an instrument or microphone in hand, you better have had your dancing feet ready because not a soul in the world could resist the melodies of a performing Bill Scott. He has dedicated his entire life and career to serve his community in the most fun, creative ways and you couldn’t help but love him for all of the amazing things he did for others. Bill has truly touched the lives of so many. We are sad to see him go but are happy he is at peace and reunited with his Wife: Stella, Brothers: Paul and Danny, Mother: Molly, Father: Billy Sr, Friends, and all the other loved ones that have passed. We know they are having a jam session, dancing, laughing and watching over all of us until we meet again.

A memorial service will be held in Phoenix, AZ on Tuesday August 24th, 2021 at CCV 15025 N 19th Ave Phoenix, AZ 85023 (10am Visitation, 11am Service) then followed by Graveside service at Greenwood Memory Lawn under the Fireman Bell Tower 2300 W Van Buren Phoenix, AZ 85009