Kenneth Oren Scruggs

Kenneth O. "SKUN" Scruggs, 84, of Cliffside, North Carolina, passed away peacefully at home on July 21, 2026, after a long and courageous battle with cancer. Though cancer challenged his body, it never defined his spirit.

Kenneth was preceded in death by his parents, Wayland Washington Scruggs and Myrlie Hames Scruggs; his brother, Frank J. Scruggs; his sister, Shirley S. Greene; and his grandson, Branden E. Walker.

He is survived by his devoted wife of 40 years, Denise A. Scruggs; his sister, Katherine J. Scruggs of Cliffside, North Carolina, his daughters; Tracy B. Guillermo and husband, Jamie, of Spindale, North Carolina; Kristin B. Millwood and husband, Andy, of Anderson, South Carolina; and Crystal L. Scruggs of Bostic, North Carolina; two nephews; six grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren.

A 1959 graduate of Tri-High School, Kenneth was a hardworking man who worked for General Fireproofing (GF), American Greetings (AGI), Broyhill Furniture, and Wilson Tractor, Inc. He never met a stranger and was always willing to lend a helping hand. A proud longtime member of American Legion Post 423 in Caroleen, North Carolina, he loved his family, cherished his animals, and was a loyal friend to many.

The Scruggs family extends its heartfelt gratitude to the doctors, nurses, and staff of Gibbs Cancer Center, Hospice of Cleveland County, and all of Kenneth's caregivers for their exceptional compassion and care.

In keeping with his final wishes, Kenneth chose to donate his body to Wake Forest University School of Medicine to advance medical research and education, continuing to help others even after his passing. He lived a good life and will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

A Celebration of Life, conducted by the family, will be held on Monday, August 3, 2026, from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at Calvary Baptist Church, 1509 Ferry Road, Mooresboro, NC 28114. Family and friends are invited to celebrate Kenneth's life, share memories, and honor the remarkable man he was.

In lieu of flowers, Kenneth's wish was for memorial donations to be made to Hospice of Cleveland County at www.viagiving.org or to the American Legion at mylegion.org. Eggers Funeral Home of Cliffside, NC assisted the family