of Marion, AR
October 23, 1942 - December 1, 2024
With profound sadness, we announce the passing of Leslie Scales Scruggs, Jr, who went to be with the Lord on December 1, 2024 at the age of 82. While we mourn this loss, we celebrate his life and his presence now before his savior. A beloved husband, father and grandfather, Les leaves behind his wife, Diane Brunetti Scruggs of Marion; his daughter, Laurel Ditto (John) of Nashville; his son, Jonathan Scruggs (Neel) of Scottsdale, Arizona and his six grandchildren, Jack Ditto, Andrew Ditto, Abby Ditto, Henry Scruggs, Jane Scruggs and Anne Scruggs. Les was born in Greenwood, Mississippi and was preceded in death by his parents, Leslie Scales Scruggs, Sr. and Cornelia Morgan.
Les was a consummate scholar, gentleman, apologist and jokester. He earned his undergraduate degree, top of his class, from the University of Memphis; an M.B.A. from the University of Chicago and a Ph.D. from Vanderbilt University. He was president of Lambda Chi Alpha and an ace ping-pong player. He went on to teach finance and economics at the University of Memphis for forty years.
He humbly served his wife for 55 years, never ceasing to put her interests above his own and he loved to spend time with his children and grandchildren, modeling what it means to be a gentle and caring father. He taught Sunday School to adults and youth, sang in the church choir, loved Christian hymns and is currently a member of Bellevue Baptist Church in Memphis. While he frequently read apologetics books and looked to spread the good news, he was always prepared to offer a joke on every occasion, loving to bring joy and laughter wherever he went.
Funeral services for Les will be Saturday, December 7th at 11:00 a.m. at Roller Citizens Funeral Home in West Memphis; visitation will be held one hour prior; burial at Crittenden Memorial Park will follow service. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Alliance Defending Freedom (adflegal.org).
To order a DVD copy of this video memorial, please contact our funeral home at + 18707351000.
Sign Guestbook
9 Condolence(s)
Ronnie Knight
Monday, December 30, 2024
I have fond memories of Leslie. He was so intelligent and stalwart as a friend. I am praying for the family.
Mary Ruth Marshall Wolf
Sunday, December 8, 2024
Pray for Diana and his children.
PK Jain
Friday, December 6, 2024
I have very fond memories of Les. He brought a lot of life, energy and humor to the students, staff, and faculty colleagues at our Department of Finance, Insurance and Real Estate at the University of Memphis giving both finance lessons and life lessons to everyone around him. Thank you Lord for blessing our community with your positive impact through Les Scruggs.
PK Jain
Friday, December 6, 2024
I have very fond memories of Les. He brought a lot of life, energy and humor to the students, staff, and faculty colleagues at our Department of Finance, Insurance and Real Estate at the University of Memphis giving both finance lessons and life lessons to everyone around him. Thank you Lord for blessing our community with your positive impact through Les Scruggs.
Donna Aguirre
Thursday, December 5, 2024
Ms Diane my heart breaks for you and your family. My prayer is that God wrap his arms around your entire family and bring you peace and comfort during this time of sadness.
Chris Shoemake
Thursday, December 5, 2024
Diane, my heart was saddened to learn of your helpmeet's passing. His obituary is exactly the way I perceived him as you described him as we prayed for him while I shared a CBS class with you. Please know I am praying for you and your children as you gather together to celebrate his life. May those believers (friends and family) be a source of comfort for all of you. I know you have several hymns in your heart as you adjust to life without Les's presence. Most sincerely, Chris Shoemake
John and Lina Wellborn
Wednesday, December 4, 2024
Trish Langenhuizen
Wednesday, December 4, 2024
To the entire Scruggs family:
May his living spirit live on in all who loved him. With sadness for the loss of his daily presence to his children and grandchildren. Rest in peace reminding us all of our faith to see him again.
In love,
Trish
Bob and Barbara Stokes
Wednesday, December 4, 2024
Praying for you and your family