Gregory Scott loved working with children, whether it was teaching them to perform on the drill team or to pick up a piece of trash in the neighborhood.
Scott, 55, exuded optimism and a love for life, family members and friends said. That life was cut short Wednesday night when he was gunned down outside his house on Millick Street near Walnut in West Philly, police said.
James Scott, 47, a cousin, and James Hiller, 25, were charged in the murder, police said. Investigators believe the two cousins got into a fight outside Gregory Scott's job nearby at Family Variety Store & Deli on 52d Street about 30 minutes before the shooting. James Scott, authorities said, went to his cousin's house, waited outside and ambushed him as he got out of his car. Hiller's involvement was unclear Thursday.
Family members, friends and neighbors gathered Thursday night on the small block to remember Gregory Scott, a drill master for the Gold Coast Buccaneers, a youth organization based in West Philadelphia. Many in the crowd, which included City Councilwoman Jannie Blackwell, held and consoled one another as some of whom shed tears.
"He was a very loving person . . . Every time we had a cookout or any gathering, he was the life of the party," said his brother-in-law, William Johnson.
Johnson recalled that when he was 17 or 18 years old, he did not have a driver's license, but Scott lent him his car without hesitation.
"He trusted me with his car," Johnson said. "That's what he'd do for you. There was nothing he wouldn't do for you."
Scott, who was affectionately called "Chops," joined the Buccaneers' drill team as a child and helped to revive it in recent years, friends said. He took pride in the youngsters and had them perform regularly at block parties. The group also participated in community cleanup efforts.
"He took kids from South Philadelphia, North Philadelphia, West Philadelphia. He had a lot of love," said David Williams, a friend and neighbor. "He was very positive. He will be missed, but never forgotten."
Scott also helped recovering addicts re-enter the community at a local drug-and-alcohol rehab center, according to his biography on the Buccaneers website. He and his wife had six children and several grandchildren.
Police declined to say what sparked the argument between the cousins. Although Johnson did not know the details, he said James Scott was known for drinking and getting out of hand. Gregory Scott, he said, tried to keep his younger cousin in line.
The Buccaneers drill team is scheduled to perform in Gregory Scott's memory Saturday afternoon at Huey Elementary School at 53rd and Pine streets, according to organizers.
Pamela Spencer, a former neighbor, said that she and Gregory Scott were line-dance partners at the annual block party.
"He was always smiling, always happy, always ready to help," she said. "He touched people in ways that most of us don't even know."
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