Gene Paul "Scooter Scruggs" Scruggs

Gene Paul Scruggs was born on July 30, 1926, in Akron, Ohio, to Maude and Edgar Scruggs. He graduated from Garfield High School in 1945, where he excelled as an athlete in football and track. His talent and competitive spirit earned him a place in the United States Navy, where he served at the Naval Air Station in Alameda, California, receiving All-Service honors in both football and track before his honorable discharge in 1947.

Upon returning to Akron, Gene enrolled at the University of Akron, continuing his athletic career in football and track and field, where he became known as “Scooter Scruggs.” He began working with the Akron Colored Community Works, later the Akron Community Service Center and Urban League, and in 1953 was elected Health Education Director. In 1955 he joined Akron Public Schools, advancing to Director of Extended Services and directing the Neighborhood Youth Corps Summer Jobs Program, which provided meaningful employment and guidance to nearly 1,000 young people in Akron each summer. Even after his retirement in 1991, he continued overseeing youth employment initiatives until 2009.

Gene’s lifelong dedication to athletics, education, and community service was recognized through numerous honors, including induction into the University of Akron Athletics Hall of Fame in 1980, the Akron Softball Hall of Fame in 1997, the Ohio High School Athletic Association Officials Hall of Fame in 2008, and the Summit County Sports Hall of Fame. He was a founding member of the Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Gamma Tau Chapter, and remained an active member of Prince Hall Masonic Lodges and Second Baptist Church for more than 50 years.

He is survived by his wife of 73 years, Audrey Sommerville, their children Bethanne Scruggs, Kwame Scruggs, and Jan Scruggs Rookard, grandchildren Imani Scruggs, Daylon Rookard, and Quincy Rookard, and great-grandchild Koan Rookard. Gene was a beloved mentor to many young people, a gracious host who enjoyed cooking and gathering friends and family, and a man whose sharp wit and generous spirit left a lasting impact on his community.