Dr. Edward LaMarr Scales

Dr. Edward LaMarr Scales, 52, was born on August 13, 1972, and madeHeaven his eternal home on February 4, 2025, at The Laurels ofGahanna Rehab Center. A devoted servant of God, he accepted Jesus Christ at an early age, and his faith remained the cornerstone of his life.He attended West High School Class of 1991 where he was called “Big Eddie” in Columbus, Ohio. He was a beloved son, brother, Pastor, father-in-love, uncle, godfather, mentor, and friend, deeply cherished by all who knew him.  

Dr. Scales recently became a member of the Assembly of Faith Church under the leadership of Bishop Marvin C. Bozeman. Prior to this, he was a life-long member of Ebenezer Full Gospel Baptist Church, before transitioning to Temple of Compassion Cathedral Ministry under the leadership of Pastor Patricia and Co-Pastor Ronald Turner from a teenager and into adulthood. Throughout the years, he worked in ministry at several churches across the U.S., leaving a lasting impact on congregations through his preaching and musical gifts.

A passionate and dedicated educator, Dr. Scales worked as a music teacher at George Washington Carver Academy and A+ Arts Academy, where he inspired countless young people. He was a cherished member of the WVKO radio station family, where he loved hosting Throwback Thursdays, playing quartet Gospel music, and uplifting Gospel choirs worldwide. Dr. Scales was the proud CEO of LaMarr Scales Major Music Group, where he released his music, “The Return” in 2008, “Full Circle” in 2015, “Making a Way 4 U” in 2021, and “Deliverance Will Come” in 2024”. He sang with some of the greatest major artists worldwide. He supported and mentored many up-and-coming Gospel artists. Dr. Scales was a storyteller; he wrote and published books “A Day in the Cave”, “Back to the Cave I Go”, and “Spiritual Nuggets for Everyday Living”.

Dr. Scales enjoyed gospel ministry so much that he would sing anywhere with anyone or just by himself. He performed at the Black Nativity in Columbus, Ohio, and sang at the Martin Luther King Luncheon. He provided his singing services to local funeral homes; Dr. Scales started with his aunt, Evangelist Annie May Ewards at Wayne T.Lee Funeral Home. He was called to the
Preaching ministry, and he provided singing and preaching at Marlan Gary The Chapel of Peace and Affinity Memorial Chapel to name a few.

Dr. Scales’ love for music began at the tender age of three when he first sang lead with the Ebenezer Sunbeams under the direction of First Lady Doris Brown affectionately known as “Mama”. His musical journey continued as he formed the Scales Singers with his mother and sister until the death of their mother. He pursued quartet singing under the leadership of his mentor, Frank Tate, with the group The Praising Sons. His musical talent led him to sing with several renowned groups, including The Mighty Sons of God under the leadership of Mentor John “Uncle Jerry” Morgan who showed him the business that came with singing. He was a member of the following groups, The Singing Prophets, The Flint Cavaliers of Flint, Michigan, Love Truth and Deliverance, Shining, LaMarr Scales and Company, Jr., and Company, Heaven Unlimited, and Dynamic Sons of Praise. He supported Gospel groups of Columbus and would sing with them on the spot like The Lyles Family, The Five Star Harmonizers, Family, Little Terry and the Anointed Sons of God, The Keys of Harmony, and Divine Angels and many others. He was always eager to share his gift. Dr. Scales was abeloved and faithful member of The Spiritual Tornadoes, where he treasured singing alongside his “brothers”.

Dr. Scales was not only an accomplished musician, and singer but a devoted servant of God. Ordained as a Minister at a young age, he was mentored by his spiritual father, Bishop Donald J. Washington, and served faithfully in ministry. He was ordained as an Elder under the leadership of Pastor Patricia Turner, then later as a Pastor under the leadership of Pastor Eddie Parker, III.
He was the proud Pastor of“Restored by The Word” for many years prior to him closing it due to health challenges. In recent years, Dr. Scales was elevated to the esteemed position of Bishop-Elect under the leadership of Apostle Gregory Wallace. He traveled far and wide, preaching the gospel andusing his prophetic gifts to touch the lives of many. He also provided counseling and mentorship to countless individuals, guiding them with love, wisdom, and compassion.

Dr. Scales was preceded in death by his father, Edward Collins; his mother, Myrtle L. Scales; grandparents, Surrie (Martha) Collins, Sr., and Reverend James (Stella) Scales, Sr.; Sister Angelique McCoy and his brother, Rufus People.

He leaves to cherish his memories: his loving sisters, Xerona Taylor, Marion Lorrissa Scales, and Angenette (Dean) Jackson; brothers, Bishop Romel T. Johnson, Toby Rushing, and Deshong Stith; special brother, Mathis (Toni) Kleckley; special sisters, Janet Murray-Eppes, Rhonda (Terell) Ruffin, Evangelist Cherry Ridley; aunts, Marion Scales, Dorothy Collins, and V. Pauline Morgan; uncles, Lawrence (Tina)Collins, Alonzo Collins, and Robert Collins; children-in-love Jo’syiah Patton, Amanda Cleveland, Sekoquia Smith, and Nicholas Slaughter; grandchildren-in-love, Logan “Pop Pop Man” Gordon, Ta’mya Powell,Alijah Cleveland, Mi’love Cleveland, and Khari  Patton; Godparents, Daleand Sandy Gwynn; godmother, Doris (Arron) Hull; mother-in-love, V. Pearline Gaston; spiritual parents, Archbishop Donald J. Washington, Sr. and Lady Shirley Washington; best friends, Dr. Wendell Lowe, Sr., and Ar’MonMackey, Jr.; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, sisters-in-love, brothers-in-love, godbrothers, godsisters, godchildren, church family, and many close friends.

Dr. Scales will be remembered for his joyful spirit, his selfless service to God, and his unwavering love for family, friends, and the gospel. His legacy of faith, music, and mentorship will live on in the hearts of all who were blessed to know him.

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