Scott Claire Coverdale's Obituary
Scott C. Coverdale, 75, of Denver, North Carolina departed this life to be with the Eternal Father on July 19, 2025; surrounded by his family, he departed quietly and at peace. Scott was born on July 25, 1949, in Elyria, OH to the late Claire “Bud” Coverdale and Elaine Elma (Springer) Coverdale. As a young man, Scott met the love of his life Marsha JoAnne Heaslip, and together they began their epic journey of selfless service, leadership, and community involvement. Scott was a devoted father to his children, a mentor to his military brothers and sisters, a lay leader in the church, and a bright light to his students. He will be dearly missed, the impact he had on the lives of so many will continue to reverberate for years to come.
Scott was an avid musician and tennis player and after graduating from Amherst High School in 1967, he enrolled at Ohio University, where he pursued a Bachelor of Science in Education. While in college he joinedthe ROTC program, and upon graduation in 1971, Scott was selected foractive duty in the United States Air Force. Throughout the next 22 years, Scott faithfully and honorably served his country. His tours of duty took him and his family to The Pentagon (Washington DC), Blytheville AFB(AR), Izmir AB (Turkey), Wright-Patterson AFB (OH), George AFB(CA), Sheik Isa Airbase (Bahrain)(First Gulf War), and he retired from Langley AFB (VA) in 1993 at the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. His military awards include: The Bronze Star, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal w four Bronze Oakleaf Clusters, Accommodation Medal, National Defense Medal w/1 Star Device, Southwest Asia Service Medal w/2 Star Devices, and Kuwait Liberation Medal/Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Medal.
Upon his retirement from active military duty, Scott continued his lifelonglove of knowledge and service as a guide for Commonwealth of Virgina State Park Services at the Jamestown Yorktown Foundation. His service at the foundation led him to take an active role in education, beginning his second career as a US History teacher in the Virginia Middle School System. His service as a teacher touched the lives of thousands of students, encouraging their success. He was a mentor to young teachers and an experienced voice of leadership to administrators. He retired a second time from teaching in 2004, to pursue golf, travel, and time with his wife Marsha and his family.
Those who knew Scott will remember him for his ever-present smile and infectious laugh. He brought light to all situations, finding levity and the perfect words in times of stress. His irrepressible love for people and his desire to find the best in everything left a lasting impact on those who crossed his path.
Survivors include his wife Marsha JoAnne (Heaslip) Coverdale; his daughter Rebecca Elaine Murray (USAF Ret SMSgt John D. Murray – Bonaire, GA) , his sons Pastor Gregory Scott Coverdale (Kathleen MarieDavenport – Durham, NC), and John Claire “LJ” Coverdale (Linda Renee Crisp of Denver, NC). He remains eternally proud as “Pop-Pop” to Helen Grace Murray, Gracie Kathleen Coverdale, Claire Marie Coverdale, KarlieGrey Coverdale, Brynn Evelyn Coverdale, and Ashlyn Brooke Coverdale. His sister-in-law Susan (Crooke) Coverdale, his nephew Danny Coverdale (Casey (Smith) Coverdale) and niece Stephanie (Coverdale) Barts (Brandon Barts). He was predeceased by his Father and Mother “Bud” and Elaine Coverdale and Brother Frederick “Fred” Carl Coverdale.
A memorial service will be held at 11 AM Friday, August 15 at James Funeral Home. Visitation will follow. A committal service will be held at 2:30 PM at Salisbury National Cemetery.
In Lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Disabled American Veterans https://www.DAV.org and/or Tunnels To Towers https://www.t2t.org
James Funeral Home of Huntersville is serving the family.
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