BEATRICE – A well-known businessman who headed a company with extensive holdings in Gage County, has passed away.

William Scully died Sunday at his home, at the age of 96.  A funeral notice from Harman-Wright Mortuary notes that Scully was born in London, England, attended Harrow School there, then moved to the United States in 1939, where he attended Northwestern University in Chicago.

Scully served in the U.S. Army 102nd Infantry Division during World War Two in Europe.  He served from August of 1942 to January of 1944, receiving the Purple Heart medal, December 10th, 1944.

In 1947, Scully became owner of Scully Estates, a company with extensive agriculture land holdings in Gage County. He enjoyed aviation, photography and golf.

Beatrice Mayor Stan Wirth remembers William Scully as a very humble person. "While he amassed some great investments over his lifetime, he was also very generous to other people, organizations and to the community of Beatrice....and I think that is something that cannot be overlooked....and I think that will be a legacy that will live a long, long time".


Wirth said Scully had a vision for what he wanted the community to look like. "He had the vision to really enhance our Beatrice community airport. He was a key player in extending runways, to make the airport what it is in our community today. Certainly, the agriculture community recognizes his investment and time spent in the field of agriculture, and what it also meant to this entire area".  Wirth said Scully’s generosity went beyond just the community of Beatrice.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, at Harman-Wright Mortuary Chapel.  A memorial has been established to the Beatrice Humane Society.

(photo: Harman-Wright Mortuary, of Beatrice)