Deacon Cleophus Scruggs was born in Wynne, Arkansas to Deacon Will and Sis. Mary Lizer Scruggs.  He was the oldest of nine children.  He attended the public schools of Arkansas.  The family moved to East St. Louis IL. And he immediately joined the United States Navy.

After being honorably discharged from the service, he came to Akron Ohio to visit his aunt. She had a party for him and introduced him to some of the ladies at Wooster Ave Temple. He came to church often and soon accepted Christ as his personal Savior, joined the church and participated in several auxiliaries such as the Young Men’s Club.

Not long after, a certain young lady caught his eye and he was introduced to Deborah Walker.  Love was in the air and they were soon joined in holy matrimony on May 17, 1947.  To this union was born Cleorah Jean, Sylvia Ann, Clifford, Terrence Arnold and Ricky Scruggs.

Although Deacon Scruggs was a man of few words, when he spoke it was as if E.F. Hutton had spoken and people would listen. He maintained a great work ethic and it was not uncommon for him to take on two or three jobs to provide for his family.  When he retired from Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company after 41 years of service, he loved to sit in the garage while riding his stationary bike and watch the people go by.  He was a longtime adviser and member of The National Multicultural Diversity Institute.

After Deacon Scruggs became ill, his wife and family would pray together.  It was during this time that he re-dedicated his life to Christ.

In His favor is life: Weeping may endure for a night but joy cometh in the morning.  Psalm 30:5. In the morning we shall see the glories of a new heaven and a new earth. In the morning we will be reunited with our loves ones separated by death.

He was proceeded in death by his mother, Mary Lizer Scruggs; father, Will Scruggs, brothers, Teal Scruggs, Hezekiah Scruggs and Leander Scruggs; and grandsons, Eirsrick and Terrence Scruggs II.

He leaves to cherish his memories his devoted wife of 72 years, Deborah Scruggs, and his loving children Cleorah (Paul) DeBose, Sylvia, Clifford (Karen), Terrence, Ricky, and Cedric Tucker.  His sisters Bettye Mae Neal, Mary Ford, Danzetta Green, Wyvette Wilson, and Patricia Thomas; 5 grandchildren Lisa, Clifford II Clinton, Syretta and Drew; 12 great grand-children; many nieces, nephews, cousins, and a host of other relatives and friends How sweet it is at evening, after a long and well spent day, to close your eyes in slumber and rest from the toil of day. It is doubly sweet at the close of a well spent life to turn one’s face toward the sunset & quietly sink into the rest that knows no waking except, in the presence of God.