Robert Scott Mcgurk

Colonel Robert Scott McGurk, United States Army retired, died peacefully at Piedmont Columbus Regional Midtown after a hard fought, twelve-year battle with prostate cancer.

He was born in 1938 in Syracuse, NY and grew up in Fayetteville, NY. He graduated from Manlius prep school and attended Brown University before his appointment to the United States Military Academy at West Point. He graduated in 1962 and later earned a master’s degree from the University of Kansas in political science.

During his distinguished 26-year career as an Army Infantry Airborne Ranger he held numerous positions of command and of operations officer in various headquarters. He served three tours in Vietnam for which he was awarded the Silver Star, the Legion of Merit, the Bronze Star with Valor device, the Bronze Star and the Purple Heart, among others throughout his career. He retired from the Army in 1988 and moved to Columbus with his family.

Scott was predeceased by his parents, Robert T. and Naomi Showalter McGurk and his brother-in-law, G. Mahlon Hutto.

He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Adelaide Hutto McGurk, and his son Robert Scott McGurk, Jr., as well as his brother-in-law Randolph Lee Massey Hutto (Porter Parker Hutto), 4 nieces and nephews, 8 great nieces and nephews and countless cousins.

The joy of Scott’s life was his son Rob. He and his daddy did everything together. Scott coached Special Olympic teams and became a leader of Troop 2, Boy Scouts of America, with whom they went on many expeditions. He taught Rob to roller blade, to ice skate, to drive a boat, a jet ski and a go-cart and loved riding with him around Harris County on his small motorcycle. They fished, went on lots of special trips and attended as many Cottonmouth Hockey games as possible. Scott called Rob “Pal” and considered him his best friend.

A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, February 23rd at 2:00 at Trinity Episcopal Church. A reception will follow the service in the parish hall according to McMullen Funeral Home, 3974 Gentian Blvd. Columbus, GA 31907.

Any donations may be made to the National Infantry Museum, Historic Columbus or the charity of your choice.