Scott Neil McCormack

Scott Neil McCormack, lovingly known to many as “Thumbs,” “Donk,” “Saint Scotty,” “Convict,” “Mountain,” or simply the “Gentle Giant,” passed away unexpectedly on June 4, 2025, at the age of 56. A man of big hugs, big heart, and an even bigger sweet tooth, Scott leaves behind a legacy of kindness, laughter, and quiet acts of love. Born in Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia on April 15, 1969, Scott’s story began under the blazing Top End sun. He was raised by his mum, Patricia “Trish” Willis, alongside his younger sister Toni, who would become his lifelong best friend and favorite sparring partner. Childhood in remote Australia meant muddy feet, streetlight curfews, fishing trips, camping adventures, and the kind of freedom that shaped Scott’s love of nature and his signature go-with-the-flow attitude. A naturally gifted athlete, Scott excelled in nearly every sport he played, but he was exceptional at golf and baseball. He represented the Northern Territory on national teams in both sports, and at just 17, pitched an unforgettable 12-inning game at the Claxton Shield. He was later selected for Australia’s U19 baseball team. Still, he chose to pursue golf, becoming a professional and beginning a career that would take him across Australia, New Zealand, and the Pacific, eventually bringing him to the United States. Scott moved to the U.S. in 1999 to chase new opportunities and a few years later found Buffy. They met in San Diego in 2004 and shared a love story filled with road trips, outings with friends, fishing weekends, and daily laughter. Buffy and Scott were true best friends who enjoyed simply doing life together. Over the years, they discovered countless hobbies to share including riding motorcycles, taking dance lessons, and serving Veterans side by side. In 2015, they traded in the California sunshine and relocated to Spring, Texas. There, they built a life filled with purpose, partnership, and unconditional love. Scott was many things in his lifetime: an elite athlete, a coach, a foreman, a window and door craftsman, a die-hard fan of the color purple, and the ultimate tinkerer (aka the Australian MacGyver). But what he was best at, what he’ll be most remembered for, was the way he showed up for the people he loved. He moved slowly, intentionally. He listened deeply. He didn’t sweat the small stuff. And if something broke, he was determined to fix it himself. He is survived by his devoted wife, Buffy McCormack; his mother, Trish Willis; his sister, Toni McCormack; his son Riley McCormack-Reed and grandson Zaine; daughters Oakleigh McCormack-Reed and Khai McCormack-Reed; stepdaughters Ashley Howard (Matthew), Keryn Chandler-Reed, and Alysha Gibbs, and their children Spencer, Ivy Leigh, Zara, Oliver, Nathan, Natalie, and Neah; and a huge family of aunts, uncles and cousins from both sides growing up that he loved and adored. He is preceded in death by his beloved rescue pup, Angel - his constant companion, who we imagine greeted him with a tail wag and a big, goofy grin. Scott’s spirit was enormous. He danced like nobody was watching, always with his signature head bob. And he never turned down a milkshake. He offered his time, his tools, his back-cracking hugs, and his presence freely and without hesitation. He loved hard and without condition. Scott’s love for the outdoors never faded. Some of his favorite memories in later years were made on the water—casting lines at Broken Bow, Lake Fork, and Lake Conroe. Whether it was a quiet morning in the boat or an evening by the fire swapping stories, those trips rekindled the joy he’d first discovered as a kid fishing in the wilds of Northern Australia. To know Scott was to be reminded of what really matters. He believed in kindness. He lived it out loud. And he inspired the people around him to do the same. He would tell us not to cry—but to smile at the memories, tell a joke, and be kind to each other. So we will. We’ll laugh. And we’ll do our best to live a little more like Scott did—with patience, humor, and open arms. A Celebration of Life will be held on July 26th at 5:00 PM at Stetson’s Night Life in Humble, Texas. Anyone who loved him is welcome to come and share stories in his honor. #BeKindToEachOther

Scott Neil McCormack

April 15, 1969 - June 4, 2025