Albert "Bertie" Scales, III

Albert “Bertie” Scales III was born on July 17, 1950, in Cleveland, Ohio, to the late Albert Scales Jr. and Mary Emma Boseman-Scales. As the oldest son, he embraced his role with pride and devotion. He was preceded in death by his brother, Alvin Ward Scales, and is survived by his sisters, Naomi Jean Scales, Sarita Holly Scales, and Spring Iris Atwater. Al was a man defined by vision, determination, and unwavering faith in possibility. Gifted with an entrepreneurial spirit, he saw opportunity where others saw limitation. After earning a degree in Civil Engineering from Case Western Reserve University, he co-founded Gold Builders Inc., a construction company he ran in the 1970s and 1980s alongside his father and brother. Their projects reached far and wide—from communities across Ohio to homes as distant as Nigeria. Al’s passion extended beyond construction. He developed and operated childcare centers, a cosmetology school, a restaurant, and other business ventures. Among his proudest accomplishments was designing and building the family home in Stone Mountain, Georgia. Through his firm, Oaktree Builders Inc., he continued transforming ideas into reality, believing that entrepreneurship was not only a means of success but a declaration of freedom. On February 18, 1978, Al married his beloved wife, Vickie Diane Thornhill Scales, who preceded him in death. With their union, he lovingly embraced Vickie’s daughter, Kwanza Clay Bowe, as his own. Together, they welcomed two more children: Jalia Scales Dennis and Maceo Albert Scales, who also preceded him in death. His heart was further blessed with Alyssa Nadena Scales and Albert Scales IV, who entered eternal rest before him. Al loved being a father. He celebrated his children’s milestones, offered steady guidance, and loved them without condition. He had a sharp mind, a big heart, and a deep appreciation for life. He lived boldly and with intention, embracing the finer things—good food, stylish clothes, elegant jewelry, and travel He is survived by his daughters: Kwanza (Kenneth Sr.), Jalia (Kelvin), and Alyssa; his grandchildren, Kenneth Jr. and Kinaya; and his sisters: Jean, Holly, and Spring (Mark). He is also lovingly remembered by a devoted circle of nieces and nephews: Ivory, the late Alvin Jr., Alexander, Aaron, Angela, Charles Maceo, Mark Jr., Cecil II, Nija, Hakeem, Ayana, and Akil. He also leaves behind a host of extended family and lifelong friends who cherished him dearly. Albert Scales III's spirit will continue to shine through the many lives he touched. Services entrusted to Gregory B. Levett & Sons Funeral Home, 4347 Flat Shoals Parkway, Decatur, GA 30034

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Albert "Bertie" Scales, III

July 17, 1950 - September 28, 2025