William Scruggs

“The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters. He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness For His name’s sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; For You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You anoint my head with oil; My cup runs over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me All the days of my life; And I will dwell in the house of the LORD FOREVER.”

William Elburn Scruggs was born in Whitby, West Virginia on February 24, 1928. He was one of nine children born to the late Hallie B. Scruggs and Elizabeth Jopling Scruggs. William passed away on March 15, 2026 at the age of 98. Affectionately known as “Ele,” “Elvin,” or “Uncle Bill” to family members, he lived a rich, full life.

Elvin completed high school and, similar to his father and brothers, he joined the military, serving in the United States Army. In his letters home, Elvin mentioned that he had found an easy Army job -- delivering mail to soldiers. After returning home from the Army, he briefly worked in the coal mines. On February 20, 1950, Elvin married the love of his life, the late Mary Evelyn Moss Scruggs. The couple would celebrate 67 years of marriage before her death in 2017. He was her rock and she adored him. Their marriage would take them to Washington, DC and decades later, return them home to family and friends in West Virginia.

Elvin and Evelyn moved to Washington, DC in 1961. Living in the Nation’s Capital gave them a front seat to our nation’s history. From the 1963 March on Washington to Presidential Inaugurals, they enjoyed making the city their home. Family and friends who visited could count on Elvin’s special tours of Washington, DC, including the Smithsonian museums and one of his favorite sites, Arlington National Cemetery.

Elvin was employed by the United States Postal Service for more than 25 years. During his career, he received numerous “Outstanding Service” awards and special recognitions. In addition to hosting family and friends at their home, Elvin enjoyed fishing trips on Maryland’s Eastern Shore, neighborhood card parties and regular visits to Appomattox, Virginia to spend time with his parents and siblings. Elvin and Evelyn returned to West Virginia in 1993, making their home in Beckley.

In addition to Evelyn, Elvin was preceded in death by his siblings: Adolphus Scruggs; Hallie Scruggs, Jr; O’Bryant Scruggs; Elsie Cawthorne; John Scruggs; Samuel Scruggs; and Maggie Larkin. He leaves to cherish his memory his brother Ernest (Gene) Scruggs and his wife, Linda of Appomattox, VA; sisters-in-law: Inez Richardson of Columbus, Ohio and Mildred Scruggs of Richmond, Virginia; and a host of cousins, nephews, nieces, extended family and friends.

A funeral service officiated by Reverend Onnie Cook will be held Monday March 23, 2026, at 12pm at Blue Ridge Funeral Home of Beckley WV. A visitation will be held at 11am on Monday. After the services, he will be laid to rest at Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens.