Sylvester "Scotty" Bies

Sylvester 'Scotty' Bies, 88, of Savannah Lakes Village, SC, husband of Rita Larkin Bies, died Sunday, May 8, 2016 at Self Regional Healthcare in Greenwood, SC. He was born on August 23, 1927 in Brooklyn, NY to Sylvester J. and Barbara K. Bies from Queens Village, Long Island, NY. Scotty is survived by his dear friend and loving wife of 66 years, Rita; daughters Barbara Balducci (Donald) of Colchester, CT, Catherine Birmingham (Angelo) of Quinton, VA, Karen Cove (Michael) of Rutland, MA, Dianne Scotton (Thomas) of Middletown, CT; sons, Mark Bies (Patti) of Powatan, VA, John Bies (Theresa) of Simpsonville, SC, Michael Bies (Carina) of East Windsor, CT, Timothy Bies (Alivia) of Seattle, WA; grandsons, Grayson Baughman, Gregory Balducci, Luke and Kevin Scotton, Kyle Bies, John and Justin Bies, Sean Bies; grand-daughters, Sarah Parsons, Emily Balducci, Brittany Macellaro, Brooke and Taylor Bies; great-grand-daughters, Ryan Macellaro and Leona Baughman; sisters, Joan Newman of Upper St. Clair, PA and Barbara Mehnken of Winter Springs, FL; and brother, Ronald Bies of Westminster, CO. Scotty was a WWII veteran, having served four years in the Naval Air duty. He attended Ohio University under the GI Bill, receiving his Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering in 1953. Scotty was a Registered Professional Engineer and had a diversified career as product manager, research engineer, and engineering manager. He designed static and dynamic testing machines, component devices for aircraft instrumentation, machine tools for the sheet metal and plate industry (sheers, press brakes, etc.), hand tools, and entry and garage doors. Scotty was awarded over a dozen US patents for products ranging from aircraft instruments, hand tools and entry doors. His last 21 years of employment were spent with Stanley Works – eleven years with the Stanley Tools Division and ten years with Stanley Door Systems. Scotty was appointed as the corporation's manager for Industry Affairs for the door division and as such, became an active member on ten national code and standards organizations, developing test standards, procedures, and building codes as they apply to the door industry. In October of 2015, he and three other Savannah Lakes Veterans were privileged to take the Veterans Honor Flight to Washington, DC. He cherished these memories. After living in Bloomfield, CT for 21 years where they raised their 8 children, and a relocation to Lake Orion, MI, Scotty and his wife Rita retired to Savannah Lakes Village in 1995, and have been active in the community and members of Good Shepherd Catholic Church since that time. With his woodworking background, which was his passion and hobby, he built all the wood furniture in the church with the exception of the seating. Both he and Rita agree that moving to SLV was the best move they ever made, affording both the opportunity to indulge in their passions – Rita in Community Chorus, church choir membership, volunteer work with Helping Hands and Habitat for Community; Scotty with golf, where he was always proud of scoring his age or under and his craftsmanship of woodworking. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held 11AM Monday, May 16, 2016 in Good Shepherd Catholic Church, 1401 Greenwood Hwy, McCormick, SC 29835 with the Rev. Father Robert Sayer officiating. Inurnment will follow in the Good Shepherd Catholic Church Columbarium. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions, in memory of Scotty, be made to the Good Shepherd Catholic Church Beautification and Grounds Enhancement Fund, 1401 Greenwood Hwy, McCormick, SC 29835. A message of condolence may be sent to the family by visiting www.harrisfuneral.com. HARRIS FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICES of Abbeville is assisting the Bies family.