Gregg Alan Scoggins

Dr. Gregg Alan Scoggins, DVM, JD slipped quietly into Eternal Glory on March 26, 2017. He was preceded in death by his dad, Ross Dean Scoggins, and grandparents. He is survived by his sons, Jonathan Alan Scoggins and Phillip Gray Scoggins, both of Ashland, VA, mother of his sons, Krista Lynne (Dutton) Scoggins of Ashland, VA, and beloved companion, Sue Lilly of Melbourne, Australia. He is also survived by his mother, Virginia Elizabeth Scoggins, brother, Brian Dean Scoggins, and sister, Laurie Elizabeth (Scoggins) Crabtree. Born December 1, 1963 in Detroit, Michigan, his childhood was spent in parts of Maryland and Pennsylvania before his family settled in central Illinois. Gregg was active for many years in the local 4H program during which he showed sheep and horses. He graduated top of his class from Villa Grove High School in Villa Grove, Illinois in 1982. He received a Bachelor of Science degree in Veterinary Science from the University of Illinois in Champaign-Urbana. His love of both veterinary medicine and law led him to seek two post-graduate degrees from the University of Illinois in Champaign-Urbana (UICU). He and his wife, Krista, were classmates during his first two years at the College of Veterinary Medicine, after which he alternated three years of education between the College of Law, UICU and the College of Veterinary Medicine, UICU. Gregg received his Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine in 1990 and then his Doctor of Jurisprudence in 1991.

Gregg and Krista moved to Ashland, Virginia in 1991 where Gregg was employed by McGuire, Woods, Battle & Boothe, LLP. In 2000, he joined Magna Entertainment Corp. as lead counsel. His excursions to MEC-owned race tracks in Canada and United States provided him the opportunity to meet horsemen on both sides of the track. Gregg developed deep friendships and earned respect in the regulatory aspect of the business. Gregg brought a very unique talent to the horse racing industry. He had gift for public speaking while also possessing a keen knowledge of both veterinary medicine and law which put him in demand to speak at numerous trade meetings. In 2010, Gregg was able to combine his passion for horses with his law practice, opening his own business, Gregg A Scoggins Attorney at Law, PC, specializing in the racing industry, equine and veterinary law.

His goals were derailed in 2012 when he was diagnosed with a malignant brain tumor. The tumor was managed for several years through aggressive treatment until the end of 2016. With the love of Sue, family and friends, Gregg never quit traveling and living life to the fullest. Gregg spent several summers in Australia where he became as loved and treasured by Sue’s family and friends as he was here in the US. Gregg and Sue managed to travel extensively in the US, Australia and New Zealand, bringing remarkable color and adventure to his life, despite his illness. His enquiring mind, love of learning and new experiences kept him motivated and alive. He was tenacious and had a determined will to live.

Gregg always saw beauty in the world and he loved people and made friends easily. Even people he touched only briefly loved him and cherished what he brought to their lives. He was surrounded by those he loved to the very end. For Gregg, the birth of his sons, Jonathan (1997) and Phillip (2002), were above all, his pride and joy every day no matter where life took him.

Gregg and his family would like to thank all of the superb neuro-oncology professionals, staff and spiritual counselors at UVA’s Emily Couric Cancer Center for their compassionate care during his many trips for chemotherapy. Locally, Gregg and his family received exceptional physical, emotional and spiritual support from the Cullather Brain Tumor Quality of Life Center and their extensive resources. We want to acknowledge Oasis Senior Advisors - West Richmond, who worked diligently on Gregg’s behalf to locate quality rehabilitation and assisted living facilities this past year. The friendship of Oasis’ Joe Gallagher was precious to Gregg as they shared many mutual aspects of their lives. We are grateful for the quality of care Gregg received from the staff and skilled nurses at Morningside in the West End. The friendships he made with residents and staff during the last year meant so much to him and his family.

The family will receive friends from 5-8pm on Monday, April 3, 2017 at the Nelsen Funeral Home-Reid Chapel, 412 S. Washington Hwy., Ashland, VA 23005, where a Celebration of his Life will be held at 12:00pm on Tuesday, April 4, 2017. A tribute to Gregg’s life will be scheduled for a future date in Champaign-Urbana once arrangements can be made.

In lieu of flowers, please consider supporting the complimentary resources at Cullather, (www.cullather.org., Ways to Help) or continue the search for improved cancer therapies by donating to the Emily Couric Cancer Center in Gregg’s memory (www.cancer.uvahealth.com, Make a Gift, or mailed to UVA Health Foundation, PO Box 800773, Charlottesville, VA 22908-0773).