Prentiss Scott Stembridge

Prentiss Scott Stembridge, loving husband, father, and brother, passed away on Saturday, March 16, 2024, at the age of 71.

He was born on May 15, 1952, in Rosedale, Mississippi; one of six brothers and sisters. Scott’s family moved to Memphis, Tennessee in 1954 and then to Houston, Texas a year later.

At the age of 14, Scott was given a “Kay” acoustic guitar by his grandfather and that same year received a birthday card from Johnny Cash. The fuse was lit. He wrote his first of 800+ songs in 1980. He was a part of three bands and garnered numerous accolades, winning the “Trailblazer” Award for his song, “West Texas Wind” in the Airplay International Song Competition in Nashville, Tennessee. He played at the Astrohall, Pasadena Music Festival, Lakewood Church, and at numerous weddings, clubs, and honkytonks. Going by the stage name of Austin Bridger, he recorded three CDs: The Gospel Truth, West Texas Wind, and When I Saw You, combining genres such as gospel, country, and love. His hope was that his music would fill whatever need someone may have in their life, and he touched many lives through it.  

Scott dedicated three years of his life to his country, joining the Army after high school in 1971. He completed basic training at Fort Lee, Virginia and served during the Vietnam War, being stationed at Tan Son Nhut Air Base in Saigon. He was awarded the Army Commendation Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, and was a proud veteran.

After his discharge, Scott spent over 35 years as a heavy equipment and forklift mechanic. He could fix almost anything and drove across Southeast Texas getting businesses back up and running, day or night. He was especially proud of when customers would call and specifically ask for him. Scott was also a mentor for so many young mechanics and would always lend a helping hand.

He met his wife Violetta in 2000 in Ukraine. He brought her and her son, Dima, to Houston and they got married later that year. Through thick and thin, he was devoted to his family, providing unwavering support and guidance. Scott led by example, embodying qualities of love, kindness, patience, faithfulness, and a strong work-ethic.

Those who knew Scott also knew his love for the Lord. He was an evangelist, speaking and singing at multiple churches. He particularly loved Isaiah 40:31, “but they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.” Scott could strike up a conversation with anyone and used his many gifts to share the Gospel and lead people to Jesus.

Scott is survived by his wife of 23 years, Violetta Stembridge; his sons, Dumytru “Dima” Horda, Joseph Stembridge, and Daniel Stembridge; his sister, Linda DeVous; his brothers, Michael Stembridge and Johnny Stembridge; and many grandchildren, nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his father, Oscar Stembridge; his mother, Shelly Stembridge; his brother, Keith Stembridge; and his sister, Barbara Anastasiades.

Scott will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved him, leaving his warm memories in our hearts forever.

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