Remembering Scott Waldrup: ‘The Grey’ general manager killed in downtown violence

SAVANNAH, GA (WTOC) - The outpouring of support and grief following the loss of a local restaurant general manager will undoubtedly continue for the weeks and months to come.

Wednesday afternoon, friends and family of Scott Waldrup have been gathering at "The Grey" on Martin Luther King, Jr Boulevard in his memory.

On the business' Facebook page, a message that says in part, "Waldrup was much more than a general manager for the restaurant… He was part of the very soul of who we are and what we do."

Friends of Waldrup that I've spoken to are simply still in shock and heartbroken over the loss, and not yet ready to talk on camera.

A lot of people taking to Facebook to show their support for "The Grey", Waldrup, his loved ones and co-workers.

Rob Gibson posted: "We all loved how Scott lit up the Grey with his smile and personality... and embodied 'service with a smile.' He will be missed by many."

Paul Baker saying; "Scott was a true gentleman who cared deeply for every guest at The Grey. He was one of those treasures that make Savannah great."

One of the many posts came from the Savannah Professional Firefighters Union President Robert Milie, a friend of Waldrup.

"Scott was involved with so many aspects of the community and touched many lives with his infectious smile and his bigger than life ways," Milie said.

In Milie's Facebook post, he says Waldrup died doing what first responders do every day: protecting people from harm. Milie pointed out witness reports that Waldrup got bystanders out of harm's way before the SUV police were chasing crashed on Bay Street.

Milie says along with remembering Waldrup and his impact on the community, the city needs to find a way to move forward.

"We need to say that these acts of violence, which it was. He was the collateral effect of a random act of violence. And those won't be tolerated," he said.

In the coming weeks, we do expect to hear about a benefit in Waldrup's honor. As those details become available, we'll pass them along.

"The Grey" was closed all day on Wednesday.

On Thursday, a show of solidarity honoring Waldrup and calling for action from Savannah city leaders is expected to take place during the City Council meeting at 2 p.m. called "Shakeup for Scott."

We have also heard there could be continuing dialogue among city leaders about the recent violence at Thursday's meeting.

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