When the news broke that veteran business owner Scott Christley had died unexpectedly, the small city of Leesburg paused. Cherished by generations of families, Christley ran the beloved local skating rink and built more than a business—he built a second home for the community.
His family broke the heartfelt announcement on social media, describing him as a devoted husband and father whose steady kindness touched countless lives. His daughter reflected, “He was the perfect example of a leader—strong, kind, and steady—and his spirit will forever be with me. The love my dad showed my momma gave me a true vision of what ‘’til death do us part’ really means.” According to the announcement, Scott had been surrounded by family in his final moments.
For years, Christley guided his rink, SkateWorld of Leesburg, into becoming so much more than a place to strap on wheels. He closed the doors Thursday so staff and family could take time to grieve, a decision underscoring how deeply intertwined the business was with the community.
In the thick of Leesburg’s social life—birthday celebrations, youth-group outings, charity nights, school events—the rink stood as a safe, welcoming space. Locals say thanks to Scott’s care, kids weren’t just skating; they were building friendships, experiencing joy, and belonging.
Friends recall him as a man who greeted everyone with a smile, who made visitors feel at home before they even laced up their skates. A post from the Leesburg Class of 1979 put it simply: “We have lost a great friend and classmate, Scott Christley… His family provides so much fun for many Leesburg people with SkateWorld. Pray for his family.”
In the small-business world of Leesburg, Scott’s absence is more than emotional—it’s a tangible gap. He was known not just for his business acumen but for his commitment to faith, family, and the well-being of his neighborhood. His family wrote, “Sometimes we question why, and sometimes the Lord whispers, ‘It’s not my plan.’ We’re holding onto the peace of knowing he is now resting with the Lord.”
While funeral arrangements haven’t yet been announced, the outpouring of support from the community already speaks volumes. Residents are sharing memories, photos, stories of their first spin around the rink, first date, first donut in the snack bar, all anchored by Scott’s warmth.
Even as the lights of SkateWorld hang dim this week, the glow of what Scott built—community, connection, childhood memories—shines on. In Leesburg, his legacy is not just the building or the business, but every smile, every skate-slide, and every laugh that entered through those doors under his watch.
