Almost 80 years of service from one family. That's what the United States Postal Service (USPS) received from the Scutt family. George William Scutt, Sr., retired in 1982 after 42 years of service, while George William Scutt, Jr. spent his last day as a letter carrier this past Friday. He had given over 35 years to USPS.
The staff and administration at the Engleside Branch celebrated last week with a retirement ceremony honoring George.
Station Manager Tom Harris presented Scutt with a plaque and a letter of commendation from Mike Harlowe, postmaster for Alexandria. Harris said, "I think it's commendable that USPS got 80 years of service from George's immediate family."
He went on to say, "It's been an honor knowing you. You're an all-round good guy."
Scutt spoke briefly, saying, "I thank you for the friendship. My first full year with USPS, I made $6,100, a lot has changed since then, but the one thing that hasn't changed is the personal service. I'll miss all you guys, couldn't have worked with a better bunch of characters. I thank my father in heaven for this job."
Scutt's father died this past March, the day before Scutt's birthday and two days before his parent's 57th wedding anniversary. Scutt's mother, Betty, was there for the ceremony, as were his wife, Dianne, his son, Jamie and his wife, Heather, and Shutt's son and daughter, Aimee and Andrew.
FELLOW LETTER CARRIER Tommy Lightner worked side by side with Scutt for the past 10 years, and said, "I've had the pleasure of working with George for 10 years, day in and day out. I've worked in most branches in Alexandria, but the people here make it what it is, especially George, he has really touched people. He is a great ambassador of his faith, a wonderful family man and a great worker."
Joe Rudden, customer service supervisor and Scutt's immediate supervisor, said, "He's a great guy. His dedication is outstanding. He demonstrated high morale."
Another customer service supervisor, Frank Carstarphen, said, "He's been a great guy. He helped out whenever anybody needed help."
Bob Vincent, one of Scutt's former supervisors, came back for the ceremony and said "I enjoyed working with his father, I enjoyed working with George, and I hope he has a successful career."
Scutt isn't quite sure what he's going to do next. He does plan to do a lot of traveling and left this week already on a trip to the Chesapeake Bay. He is interested in music, and said, "I'm an old rock-n-roller, played in the "London Stompers" at the old Groveton High School." He currently plays in a praise band at his church and is hoping to become a music director one day.
Scutt delivered the mail in his own neighborhood, which included Frye Road and surrounding streets. He had some regular customers, including the Hugee family.
Dorothy Hugee said that she and her daughters, Amber Maya and Erin, met Scutt when they went on a tour of the post office five years ago.
"We just happened to stop at his station and one of the girls noticed our address [on one of the envelopes he was sorting]. From that point on, he always stopped and said hello. We're really going to miss him."
Scutt makes no apologies for retiring. "I was ready to leave here. I feel blessed and able to leave at a young age," said Scutt.