John A. Scranton Jr., 83, of Columbia, S.C. died February 28, 2003.  Burial was in Columbia, S.C.

Mr. Scranton was born on July 7, 1920 in Olney, the son of John A. and Annie Ray (Johnston) Scranton. He married Iris Fay Beckham on November 24, 1945. She preceded him in death in January 2000.

He attended Olney schools and was a star basketball player at Olney Township High School in the late 30's. After graduation, he joined the U.S. Army. Following the war, he became a career officer serving in the U.S. and overseas. In retirement he was a businessman in Columbia, S.C.

Mr. Scranton is survived by several cousins including Betty Miller and her husband, Sam and John O. "Jack" Berry, all of Olney; and several nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, and three sisters, Annabelle Mackey Bates, Ethel Crosby and Wilma Mathis.

Published in Olney Daily Mail (IL)