Gene Paul Scruggs was born on July 30, 1926, in Akron, Ohio, to Maude and Edgar Scruggs. He attended Akron Public Schools and graduated from Garfield High School in 1945. While at Garfield, Gene distinguished himself as a standout athlete, participating in both football and track. His natural athleticism, determination, and competitive spirit quickly set him apart, laying the foundation for a lifelong legacy in sports.
During his high school years, Gene was employed by the Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company before entering the United States Navy. He was assigned to the Naval Air Station in Alameda, California, where his extraordinary athletic ability quickly gained attention. Gene was interviewed and selected for special athletic services, excelling in both football and track. He received ALL-SERVICE honors in both sports. In track and field, he posted remarkable times, including 9.9 seconds in the 100-yard dash and 43.9 seconds in the 440-yard relay. He was also selected to the West Coast Naval All-Star Football Team.
After being honorably discharged in 1947, Gene returned to Akron and enrolled at the University of Akron. He continued competing in football and track and field, where his speed and dynamic style earned him the nickname “Scooter Scruggs.” During this time, Gene also began working with the Akron Colored Community Works (ACCW) as a group leader. In 1950, the organization became the Akron Community Service Center and Urban League (ACSC), and in 1953 Gene was elected Health Education Director.
In 1955, Gene accepted employment with Akron Public Schools, where he quickly became involved in administrative work and rose through the ranks to become Director of Extended Services. During his tenure with Akron Public Schools, Gene also directed the Neighborhood Youth Corps Summer Jobs Program, a major initiative that provided employment opportunities for young people throughout the city. At its height, the program placed nearly 1,000 youth in summer jobs across Akron, offering guidance, structure, and opportunities to countless young people.
Even after retiring from Akron Public Schools in 1991, Gene’s dedication to youth did not end. He was asked to return to oversee similar youth employment programs, which continued until 2009 when funding was discontinued.
For many years, Gene worked two jobs simultaneously, one with Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company and the other with Akron Public Schools. His employment with Goodyear ultimately ended after he had worked both positions for approximately twenty years.
Throughout his life, Gene received numerous honors recognizing his contributions to athletics, education, and community service. Among those he cherished most were civic awards presented by the Akron Community Service Center/Urban League and the East Akron Community House in 1991 and 1992.
Gene’s athletic achievements were widely recognized. In 1980, he was inducted into the University of Akron Athletics Hall of Fame for both track and football. In 1997, he was inducted into the Akron Softball Hall of Fame.
After officiating high school basketball for twenty-five years, Gene was inducted into the Ohio High School Athletic Association Officials Hall of Fame in 2008. In 2009, he received the Bill Falor Service Award from the Akron Dapper Dan Club. He was also inducted into the Summit County Sports Hall of Fame for his work as a basketball official.
Gene was a founding member of the Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Gamma Tau Chapter (1949) and was one of the few members honored with the fraternity’s prestigious 75-year pin, reflecting a lifetime of dedication and brotherhood. He was also a member of Prince Hall Masonic Lodges—Mt. Calvary Lodge #76, Zerubbabel Lodge #40, and Bezaleel Lodge #15—and a devoted member of Second Baptist Church for more than 50 years.
Beyond his many professional and civic accomplishments, Gene was known for the simple joys that brought people together. He loved cooking for family and friends, often gathering loved ones around the table for good food, laughter, Jack Daniel’s, Long Island iced teas, and conversation.
Gene served as an inspiration and mentor to countless young people throughout Akron. He was especially proud of the young men from the Kipling Street Neighborhood Boys Club, who gathered in his parents’ basement. Among them were Alex Adams, George Shadie, James Peake, Richard Neal, Dr. James Malone, and Benny Averiett. Gene was particularly proud of his mentorship to Bruce Alexander, also a sports star and strong advocate of youth.
Gene was married to his childhood sweetheart, Audrey Sommerville, for 73 years. Together they built a loving family and were the proud parents of Bethanne Scruggs, Kwame Scruggs “Cowboy,” and Jan Scruggs Rookard. He was a devoted grandfather to Imani Scruggs, Daylon Rookard, and Quincy Rookard, and a proud great-grandfather to Koan Rookard.
Gene’s mind remained remarkably sharp until his final day. In the early morning hours after a bout of illness, he looked at his daughter Jan and joked, “I know I’m not pregnant.”
Though he may not have been pregnant, his life gave birth to something far greater— generations of young people inspired by his example, his mentorship, and his unwavering commitment to community. May his good deeds and countless sacrifices continue to live on in all those who follow in his admirable footsteps.
Visitation will be held on Monday, March 16, 2026, from 5:00 pm until 8:00 pm at City of Joy Life Enrichment Center, 610 W. Exchange St. Akron, Oh 44302. Kappa Alpha Psi Burial Ceremony will begin at 7:00 pm. Visitation will also be held on Tuesday, March 17, 2026, from 10:00 am until 12:00 noon at City of Joy Life Enrichment Center. Funeral service will immediately follow and will be live streamed at sommervillefuneralservice.com In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Kappa Alpha Psi Scholarship fund, payable to Kappa Foundation of Akron, Oh, 7755 Gresham Lane, Hudson, Oh 44236. Internment Rose Hill Burial Park.