Obituary: Scott Selig

“The greatest gift a man possesses is the ability to work hard at something that is worth working hard for.” — Theodore Roosevelt

Scott Selig found many opportunities worthy of his hard work during his lifetime. He served as executive vice president of Selig Enterprises and the driving force and president of the recently launched Selig Development, an arm of the nearly 100-year-old family-held real estate company. Scott was focusing on the future and growth of the business for his family, his colleagues and his community.

During his 17-year tenure at Selig, Scott’s hard work, dedication and leadership have been noted and recognized throughout the business and civic community. Scott has served on the Atlanta Commercial Board of Realtors, Midtown Alliance, Buckhead Community Improvement District, Council for Quality Growth, City of Atlanta Workforce Development and Buckhead Coalition. Additionally, Scott chaired the City of Atlanta Technical Advisory Committee and has been an active member of YPO Southern 7 and the Gridiron Society of the University of Georgia. Scott’s impact on Atlanta and the entire region has been recognized numerous times through such awards as the State of Georgia Outstanding Citizen Recognition Award, Atlanta Business Chronicle’s 40 Under 40 to Watch, the Atlanta Commercial Realtors Presidents Award and, in 2016, the Realtor of the Year Award. Most recently, the Atlanta Business Chronicle recognized Selig as a Most Admired CEO. Earlier this year, the American Lung Association honored Scott as a Lung Force Hero in appreciation of his work as fundraiser and advocate for the research and treatment of lung cancer, the disease that led to his death on Friday, Oct. 27, 2017.

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Prior to his professional and civic life, Scott graduated from the Westminster Schools, Class of 1988. At the University of Arizona, Selig received an undergraduate degree in business administration and served as chapter president of Zeta Beta Tau. In 1995, Selig earned an M.B.A. from the University of Georgia’s Terry College of Business.

Over the past week, as family and friends gathered at his home to say their goodbyes and to reminisce about their son, brother, father, friend, uncle, mentor and leader, one recurring theme seemed to dominate: Scott’s life was a mosaic of great proportion. Colorful pieces of personality, character, intuition, intellect, clothing and an abundance of inspiration were woven together over an adventure-filled and often trailblazing 47 years. Selig left a profound mark on those whose lives he touched directly and indirectly. For the more than 3,000 people who connected through the power of social networking, billboards, T-shirts, wristbands, videos and dedication to the ScottStrong movement that his illness ignited, his strength, courage and spirit will live on.

It is no coincidence that as Scott learned of and shared his diagnosis of Stage 4 lung cancer in October 2016, the force of his determination to “die with cancer and not from cancer” would inspire loved ones and strangers alike to rally around a man who this time was the underdog. No coincidence, because it was Scott who was there for so many and who was accepting of all, regardless of their station in life. Through his early and visionary involvement and leadership at the Ron Clark Academy, his greatest communal passion, and during his board service at Camp Twin Lakes and at the Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta, Scott engaged with great conviction an empathetic heart, quiet generosity and genuine humility. There is no underestimating Scott’s resolve to do what he could to make the lives of others, often strangers, better. Countless friends and a large family cherished Scott and loved him for his unique spirit, his independence and his authenticity. Their lives have been and will continue to be illuminated by the rich, colorful life that Scott Selig lived.

Scott’s family includes his loving sons, Cooper and Sam, and their mother, Amy Selig; his parents, Steve and Linda Selig and Janet Selig and Jeff Bernstein; siblings Mindy and Dave Shoulberg, Blake and Stephanie Selig, Michael Shenk, Stacey and David Fisher, Mara and Justin Berman, and Bret Bernstein; nieces and nephews Carly, Jordan, Casey, McKenzie, Ansley, Parker, Zachary, Alison, Lindsay, Molly, Aaron, Justin, Ella, Avery, Davis, Max and Parker; and special friend Samantha Wexler.

Sign the online guestbook at www.edressler.com. Memorial contributions to The Scott Selig Scholarship Fund at the Ron Clark Academy would be appreciated. Services at The Temple, 1589 Peachtree St. NE, Atlanta, GA 30309, on Sunday, Oct. 29, at 2 p.m. Arrangements by Dressler’s Jewish Funeral Care, 770-451-4999.