William Scott Argraves

William Scott Argraves, Ph.D., 58, of Johns Island SC left this world to be with his heavenly Father on Sunday May 11th. His loving wife and mother were by his side. Born January 30th, 1956 in Shelton CT to Margaret Ferrucci and Lawrence Argraves, Scott attended public schools before receiving his B.S. in 1978 and then his Ph.D. in Cellular and Developmental Biology in 1985 from The University of Connecticut. He spent his postdoctoral years at La Jolla Cancer Research Foundation/Sanford-Burnham Medical/Research Institute, La Jolla, CA studying Cell Adhesion/Integrin Biology. At the American Red Cross in the early 1990s Scott conducted groundbreaking research on a protein he had identified and named fibulin. Owing to Scott’s pioneering work on this protein, he is currently recognized as the “father” of this field, which is now embodied in more than 500 scientific publications. Scott also established valued collaborations and was instrumental in discovering new cellular receptors that regulate physiological processes, including an LDL receptor family member now known as LRP2 that is recognized as important in human health. During his short stay at the American Red Cross, Scott authored 31 peer-reviewed publications in top tier journals, and mentored several graduate students and postdoctoral fellows. But his most important accomplishment during this period was winning the heart of his soul mate, Kelley. They met, fell in love and got married in 1992 and made a great team at home and in the lab. Scott and Kelley moved to Charleston in 1995 when he took an Associate Professor position at MUSC in the Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy. He earned tenure in College of Medicine in 1998, became Professor of the Department of Regenerative Medicine and Cell Biology in 2001, and became Associate Chair for Research in this department in 2009. He was also responsible for establishing an institutional technology Core in 1996, which over the years has helped hundreds of investigators advance their research aims using leading-edge technologies. More recently, he provided leadership for a statewide research effort in tissue biofabrication, helping to create the Advanced Tissue Biofabrication Center, which houses the “Palmetto Printer”, a 3D bioprinter designed to print vessels for use in blood vessel replacement therapy. Scott was a member of numerous Boards and committees, held membership in many respected Professional/Scientific Societies, and served in several Editorial Positions. He was also responsible for the training and professional development of numerous students, postdoctoral fellows and junior faculty members. During this very productive MUSC period, he published 127 peer-reviewed publications. Despite his many professional achievements, Scott’s most cherished accomplishment was becoming a father to two beautiful daughters. This joy and pride in his family, as well as his lust for life, was well-known to friends. Scott and Kelley built their dream home together on Headquarters Island, and his years as a family man were full of life and love. Scott was devoted to his daughters’ educations and hobbies, and he cheered them on at their sports events and recently as they learned to ski, a favorite pastime of he and Kelley. He enjoyed boating adventures with friends and family, discovering new remote places on Charleston’s many creeks and islands. And even at the end of a great boating day, he was always willing to throw a last minute get-together for friends at his home. He never turned away a friend and was willing to give anything he had to help. Scott was a special person to his students, friends and colleagues in that he always wanted more for them. He encouraged everyone he knew to be the absolute best they could be. When he felt someone was not living to their potential, he would push them to try harder, and through this encouragement he enriched the lives of countless young scientists, friends, co-workers, and family members. He will be deeply missed but will live on in the work he shared, the people he inspired, and the memories he created. Scott is survived by his wife and daughters, his mother and father, his four brothers Gary Argraves (Stephanie) of Newtown CT, Brad Argraves (Cheri) of Newtown CT, Mark Argraves (Carrie) of Shelton CT, Eric Argraves (Ljubica) of Goose Creek SC, his mother-in-law Jean McTigue, sisters-in-law Kathy McTigue of Gaithersburg MD, Joyce Migliorini (Lou) of Gaithersburg, and brothers-in-law Kevin McTigue (Lisa) of Gaithersburg, Chris McTigue (Kim) of Fredrick MD, and Matt McTigue (Patti) of Boonsboro MD, and numerous beloved nieces, nephews and extended family. The family asks that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions be made to the MUSC Cardiovascular Research Foundation (http://regmed.musc.edu/CRF.htm), a fund created through Scott’s efforts to help researchers investigate causes of heart disease. Please visit Dr. Argraves’ online memorial at http://www.mcalister- smith.com/book-of-memories/1867720/Argraves-William/view-photos.php

Reception:
Immediately following the Memorial Mass