William Fred Scott II
William Fred Scott II, 43, of Beaumont, died Wednesday, March 11, 2026. Will was born on May 26, 1982, in Nederland, Texas. He was the oldest son of Bill and Gay Scott of Nederland, Texas.
From the moment he came into the world, Will was larger than life and had a presence and energy that captivated all those around him. He was tenacious, unyielding, driven and determined. He loved life and lived it to the fullest. He was a visionary, a dreamer and a doer. He dreamed big dreams and moved mountains bringing them to life. He was protective, fearless and he loved fiercely. He was loyal and generous. He was a proud father who loved his children endlessly. He was a force, and he was a man of faith. He took command of every room he entered and was always the loudest voice and the brightest light. He never did anything halfway; he only knew how to go all in. His successes were monumental and he leaves behind a legacy that will be carried on for generations.
Will was raised in Nederland, Texas, by Bill and Gay with his two younger brothers, James and Richard Scott. The three Scott brothers grew up close, getting into many shenanigans together, keeping Bill and Gay on their toes. Will, James and Richard made endless memories with their cousins Brad and Dahrel Harris, which led to vivacious stories we all loved to hear. Will was a “mama’s boy” from the start, and all who knew him knew he always kept Gay close. He was known for saying, “I gotta call Mama” when he had a problem to solve. Needless to say, young Will kept Gay in Adoration, but she would not have had it any other way. Gay and Bill cherish the memories of raising their spirted eldest son alongside his brothers.
Will graduated from Nederland High School in 2000 and went on to attend Southern Methodist University where he obtained a degree in Business Management and a minor in Art History. Will graduated from SMU in 2006. While at SMU, Will was an active member of Phi Gamma Delta (Fiji) Fraternity where he served as the pledge trainer alongside his brother James who served as treasurer. Will and James lived together in Dallas while attending SMU together and they had many stories to tell from that time. We won’t tell them here, but most of us can recall some of the infamous stories from their college days together.
In 2005, Will met Lindsey at his brother James’ birthday party where she asked a friend, “Who’s the guy in the cowboy boots?” Lindsey fell in love with his larger-than-life personality and adventurous spirit. They married in 2009 and went on to have three children, Katherine, Isabel, and William Fred Scott III. Kate, Belle, and Liam were the light of Will’s life. He loved taking them hunting, fishing, and doing all things outdoors with them.
At 23 years old, Will told Lindsey he was going to build an exotic animal commercial hunting ranch. At that time, the Scott family property in Mason, Texas, was nothing but 900 acres and a small cabin. His father Bill drew the ranch logo on a piece of notebook paper, and the Star S Ranch was born. The only species on the property back then were the native whitetail deer. Will poured himself into building the ranch, learning about exotic animals and deer breeding, reading books and going to auctions and shows and immersing himself in that world. Will spent time researching breeding tactics and processes in South Africa and applied these principles to build herds of bongo, sable, kudu, cape buffalo, gemsbok, dama gazelle, roan, nubian ibex, and other exotic species.
Will became a respected leader in the deer breeding and exotic animal industry. Alongside his family, Will worked tirelessly making his vision for Star S Ranch come to life. Will had a deep love for wildlife that embodied Star S Ranch where he and his family worked to conserve over 30 exotic species. The ranch brought Will immense joy. It was Will’s dream and passion that Star S Ranch would prosper for generations. Today Star S Ranch spans over 15,000 acres, houses a world class hunting lodge, and is one of the premier exotic and whitetail breeding and hunting ranches in the United States. Star S Ranch has become a prominent hunting destination for many people around the world and is the profound legacy Will dreamed it would be.
Will loved spending time at Star S Ranch with his family, and he spent countless hours riding the ranch with his children teaching them about all the different animals and taking them hunting. The children loved their time at the ranch with their dad. In fact, one of Belle’s first words was “Kudu,” which was Will’s favorite exotic species. On New Year’s Eve 2015, his daughter Kate shot her first deer on the ranch at just four years old, which made Will so proud. Today there still stands a deer blind affectionately named, “Kate’s blind.”
Will and Lindsey chose to raise their children on the property he shared with his brother, James and his wife, Jamie, in Fannett, Texas, where there was plenty of room to run and roam and play outdoors. Will loved to surprise the children, and it became a running joke in the family that unexpected outlandish deliveries would randomly show up at the house. Lindsey became accustomed to surprise deliveries of 80-pound African turtles, large snakes, cows, chickens, hogs, and even Kangaroos and other exotic animals. Will’s response to Lindsey’s surprise was always the same, without fail he would smile his broad smile and say, “the kids are going to love it.” And they did. There was never a dull moment. While Lindsey and Will divorced in 2023, Lindsey’s love for Will always endured.
After graduating from SMU, Will went to work with his father Bill and brother James in the family business, Trans-Global Solutions (TGS). During these years, Will was devoted to the family business and took great pride in helping it thrive and grow. Will served as President of Operations managing all of the railroad, terminal, and locomotive operations. When Will made up his mind to do something his work ethic and determination were unparalleled. In 2011, Will first had the vision to acquire the property that would become TGS Cedar Port Industrial Park. While many did not think it would be possible to broker the deal, Will was undeterred. With the support and help of his father Bill, uncle Dick, brother James, and best friend and colleague Matt Fleming, he plunged forward, steadfast, refusing to stop until the dream was realized and the deal was done. After many attempts to acquire the industrial park they were finally successful in December 2014. Today, TGS Cedar Port is the largest rail and barge served industrial park in North America. Will’s relentless passion and leadership to develop this project along with his family was truly incredible. Will was proud and grateful to his brother James and father Bill who helped take on the massive task of the day-to-day operations of Cedar Port Industrial Park, ensuring its long-term and continued success. While many would say that Will had natural instincts when it came to business, Will would quickly tell you that everything he knew about business he learned from his dad.
In 2014, Will was asked to join the Tejas Vaqueros as a Maverick and, following in the footsteps of his beloved Uncle Dick, later became a member. His brother James also later joined the Vaqueros and the memories Will made with his Uncle Dick, brother James, and all his vaquero brothers was something he cherished and talked about often. As one of his Vaquero brothers stated, “he rode with the spirit of the west and the heart of a true friend carrying the values of fellowship, generosity, and tradition wherever the trail led. His boots may rest, but his legacy will forever ride on.”
Will was always seeking the next adventure, for example in 2010 he got his pilot’s license and loved flying himself back and forth to the ranch. His sense of adventure also led to great achievements like hunting over 30 bull elephants, killing the Big Five before he was 30 years old, and world record antelopes like his 57 2/8” sable bull, and 48 4/8” Gemsbok, to name a few. Will had a deep love of hunting, travel, and adventure that took him to some of the most beautiful places in the world such as, Luangwa Valley, Zambia, the Ethiopian Highlands and Valleys, Kalahari in Southern Africa, Tanzania, Namibia, and the best place of all, the Okavango Delta, because that’s where the big elephants are! Will spent many days under the African sun, a place he always called his second home, living stories told by legends about ivory and big game hunting. While Will’s brother Richard was 12 years younger, Will loved taking Richard with him on hunting and fishing trips and the two brothers made many memories together in the great outdoors.
Will’s passions extended beyond wildlife and business. Will had an unwavering desire to help others. When he learned of a friend or colleague in need, no matter the size, he would make sure the need was met. He was generous and insistent on helping others, refusing to take no for an answer. Will believed those who are blessed bear a great responsibility to help others. He lived by this principle and would often say, “you have to give it away to keep it.”
In the last several years, Will spent his time doing what he loved, managing the ranch, working, and traveling the world with his children and his beloved girlfriend, Coti Matthews. One of Will’s favorite things was taking Kate, Belle, Liam and Coti on phenomenal trips. Will loved taking them on Safari hunts in Africa, to beautiful beaches, and hunting and fishing all over the world. Will’s son Liam shot his first exotic animal, a blesbok, on one of these trips to Africa at just five years old. It was important to Will to instill a great love of hunting and fishing in his children and share those experiences and adventures with them. It gave Will great pride to watch and teach all three of his children to ride horses, hunt whitetail and exotic animals, and fish offshore. They will miss doing these activities with their dad immensely.
During the last years of Will’s life, his girlfriend Coti was a devoted and loving companion, and the two had many adventures together. During these trips Will was known for telling jokes and stories and having conversations with the same animated passion in which he lived his life, and he lived life large.
Will has been described as a “Mountain of a man who lived a remarkable life.” Will was a beloved father, son, and uncle. He was a believer, and a son of God. He will be laid to rest on Monument Mountain at Star S Ranch, which he always wanted to be his final resting place. It feels impossible that he is gone from his earthly home. But our family finds comfort in knowing he has found peace in the arms of his Savior.
Will is survived by his parents, Gay and Bill Scott; his ex-wife, Lindsey Scott and their three children, Katherine, Isabel and William F. Scott III (Liam); his brother, James Scott and wife, Jamie Scott and their two daughters, Audrey and Olivia Scott; his youngest brother, Richard Scott; his girlfriend, Coti Matthews, her daughter, Macy and her son, Hayden; his uncle, Dick Scott and wife, Dodie; aunt and uncle, Gina and Rusty Harris; cousins, Brad and Dahrel Harris; aunt and uncle, Jan and Larry DuBose; aunt and uncle, Anne and Doug Miller and their daughter, Jennifer; aunt and uncle, Tiffany and Joe Duckworth; and many other extended family and cousins.
A gathering of Will’s family and friends will be from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m., Thursday, March 19, 2026, at Broussard’s, 1605 North Major Drive, Beaumont. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m., Friday, March 20, 2026, at St. Anne Catholic Church, 2715 Calder Avenue, Beaumont. A family committal will be held on Monument Mountain at Star S Ranch Cemetery, Mason County.
Video
Gathering of Family and Friends
Broussard’s Mortuary Major Dr.
- 1605, North Major Drive, Beaumont, Texas, 77713,
- March 19, 2026
- 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Mass of Christian Burial
St. Anne Catholic Church
- 2715, Calder Ave, Beaumont, TX, 77702,
- March 20, 2026
- 10:30 am
Please accept my sincere condolences for this terrible loss. I was crushed when I heard the news and will miss Will and his infectious smile and huge heart. Sending my deepest sympathy and prayers to the entire Scott family.
My prayers and condolences are extended to Will’s family and friends. May his larger than life persona live on to inspire us all.
I am so sorry for your loss. May your wonderful memories of your son bring you comfort and peace.
Pam Millsap
Bill, Gay and Family
Our thoughts and prayers are sent to you and
your family.
Bill and Gay and the entire Scott family, let the loss of Will be flooded with precious memories and look ahead to new adventures shared with his children, your grandchildren. Will was grand presence on a huge stage and will be remembered as such. Good man, great laugh and an unforgettable smile!
Bless you Will
AWC
Our deepest condolences to the Scott family.
Will was our friend. He will always be missed.
Bill, Gay and family,
No words can truly express how sorry Susan & I are for your tremendous loss. May Will’s memory be a blessing to all who knew him now and forever.
Please know that John and I are praying for you and the entire family. May God give you peace and comfort.
Because we care, our warmest thoughts go out to each member of the Scott family with more concern and sympathy than we could ever say.
Baytown Chamber of Commerce Board, Members and Staff.
My heartfelt condolences to all the Scott & TGS family. It’s never fair to lose a child. May God’s grace be with you thru this very heavy time.
Although I never had the pleasure of meeting Will, his father, Bill, was a close friend of mine. I am so very sorry for your loss. Will is in the arms of Jesus now and you will all be together again.
My deepest condolences to Gay and all his brothers and family.I will keep every one of you in my Prayers.
Gay and Bill,
we hurt deeply for you and your family with the loss of Will. Our memories are sweet fun at Aldersgate church when the boys were young. At NHS, Will was a thoughtful student in my Marketing class. His ideas in discussions were always intelligent and creative.
May God bless all of you with peace.
Old friends sending love,
Bill and Rhonda Richey
On behalf of the staff and board of directors at AGC of Southeast Texas, we offer our sincere condolences to the Scott and Trans-Global family. The memories made with not only his family, but work colleagues, will comfort all in the difficult days ahead.
Heartfelt condolences to entire Scott family. I pray to God almighty to give you the strength to deal with this pain and suffering this trying time. May his soul always rest in peace.
Bill & Gay – I am so sorry to learn of your loss. He truly was a remarkable man who was very well regarded and loved by many. My prayer is that you will be comforted that he is with his Lord and that his memory will be a blessing to all who knew him.
With deepest sympathy –
Paula Bothe
Our prayers and sympathy are with the Sott family. May Will rest in peace.
My heart is completely broken for you. I cannot begin to imagine the depth of your pain in losing your beloved Will. Please know that I am holding you so close in my thoughts and lifting you up in constant prayer.
With all my love and prayers
Terry & LaDonna Pye
We are so very sorry about the passing of
Will.
Prayers for your entire family.
Rest in peace dear Will.
Cathy and Frank
God rest his soul. 🙏🏻☦️
Our deepest condolences, Will was a Great friend and supporter. RIP Will, your big smile and beautiful laugh will be missed brother…Dan&Paula
I am so sorry to hear of your families loss. i love that he was an extra ordinary man! may the good times and memories give you comfort in this time of loss.
all my love to your family,
zoe
Will was real ! He and James were very good to me , eager to help when something was needed for our community and the level of professionalism not seen by many. The family including the TGS family is in my prayers.
🙏🙏🙏
Bill & Gay and family,
There are no words to express how our hearts hurt for you. No matter how long we have with our dear family, it’s never long enough. Praying that the Lord give you His comfort and strength.
With deep sympathy,
Jim and Pat Taylor
I want to offer my sincere condolences, love and prayers to the entire Scott family at this time.
Sincerely,
Tom
Ever since I heard about Will’s passing last week, I have thought about how the world will be a little lesser place without him in it. He was bigger than life and made such a difference in every life he touched. My prayers for Bill, Gay, James, Richard, his beautiful children and the rest of his family. “He will raise you up on Eagles Wings”
We were deeply saddened to hear of Will’s passing. Please accept our deepest condolences to his family and friends. Will was always a pleasure to work with and will be greatly missed. All of us at Advanced Deer Genetics.
James I’m sorry to hear about your brother Will. Prayers of peace and comfort for you, your parents and entire family who are living days you’ve never experienced.
Our family is sad to learn of Will’s passing and wish to express our condolences to the Scott Family. Will was a fine man who will be missed greatly. His generous, positive and supportive nature was beautiful. May God bless his memory always.
Will fished with me many times, it was always fun having him along on trips.
My heart aches for your loss. What a beautiful young soul you were blessed with. I can’t begin to imagine your loss. The only light in this is that he is in a place that will bring you all together again. From what I read you were all blessed by his life. May God give you the PEACE THAT PASSES ALL UNDERSTANDING. Love Always, Georgia and Phil
Our heartfelt condolences to the entire Scott family. May God give you love and mercy during these trying times.God Bless Ya’ll
Ray and Lisa
When I met Will, he didn’t give me the job I interviewed for. Instead, he said, “I’m not sure what I’m going to have you do, but I want you on my team.” That opportunity and those that materialized for me because of Will’s vision for TGS, changed the trajectory of my career. I’ll always be grateful to him. My sincere condolences go out to his family and loved ones.
Rest in the arms of the Angels. Go with God. Condolences and Prayers for your Family.
Our heartfelt sympathy to the entire Scott Family during this difficult time. Sending prayers of comfort for all that loved him as he enters heavenly peace and eternal life.
So much life was lived by Will and shared with all who came in contact with him. My heart aches for you all so much. Sending prayers to all my Scott family during this painful time.
Many condolences to the Scott Family and everyone that had the blessing of knowing and loving Will and his LARGER THAN LIFE spirit!! Sending love and many prayers to you all – he will be greatly missed.
Great loss to all that knew and loved him! I’m so glad I had the opportunity to meet and know Will! Our thoughts and prayers are with you all!
Our hearts and prayers go out to the entire Scott family. We will pray that you find peace in the days ahead. Will is always in your hearts.
Our hearts and prayers go out to the entire Scott family. We will pray that you find peace in the days ahead. Will is always in your hearts.
I’m so very very sorry for your loss and pray for peace and strength during this very difficult time!!! God bless y’all!
Love,
Kelly Hancock
Dear Bill, Gay and Family,
Please accept my prayers and sincerest condolences. Eternal rest grant unto Him, O Lord.
In Christ’s love,
Fr. Kevin
Condolences to Wills family , it was a pleasure to work for him, I enjoyed our time we spent together. Tooter Trees
I didn’t know him but my heart aches for you and your family and friends. It’s not easy at all when you loose a child at any age.
I lost my son at 44 years old last July, my prayers are with you.
I had the pleasure of knowing Will and the whole Scott family for years. Always enjoyed our visits, Will was truly larger than life.
Condolences to his family and many friends.
Rest in peace my friend in the arms of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
RIP Will from all of us at Sabine Pass Port Authority.🙏 prayers to your family
Sending prayers of comfort and love as you all move through this difficult time.
Our deepest sympathy to both the Scott and the Star S family. RIP Will
Gay, Lindsey and Kate, Belle & Liam…just no words for this loss.. from the bottom of my heart I pray for you all and may peace be with you in the many days ahead.. God be with this family. Beautiful tribute Lindsey 💙 Ms. Sandi
Our deepest sympathy to all of the Scott family. May he rest in eternal peace and may the memories you share bring you great comfort. Jeanine and Carl Huckaby
So sorry on the loss of your son. I will pray that God gives you the strength you need now and the days ahead.
Bill , Gay and family, We are praying for you all during this difficult time. May God grant you strength and comfort
Cliff and Cathy Brittain
My heartfelt condolences to the family. you will all be in my thoughts and prayers. Love and hugs, Emily
Dicky, we are so sorry to learn of your nephews passing. Sending love and prayers To you and your family
Cliff and Cathy