Russell Scott Scruggs passed away from an unexpected illness on December 2, 2024 at the age of 64. Born in Auburn, Alabama, he was a dedicated banker, doting family member, and cherished friend, known for his kind heart, strength of character, and love of art.
He was preceded in death by his father, Robert Scruggs; Grandparents, Clay & Odel Thompkins and Julian & Peggy Scruggs. He is survived by Dr. Suzanne Lacey of Pelham, Alabama; his mother, Marjorie Nix (Gordon) of Birmingham, Alabama; brother, Randy Scruggs (Susan) of Macon, Georgia; Niece, Katie Hamilton (James), Denver, Colorado; Nephews, Woody Scruggs and Patrick Scruggs of Dallas, Texas; extended family and close friends, Richard Watkins (Courtney) of Fayetteville, Georgia; Maiben Addison (Taylor) of Huntsville, Alabama, Stanley Lenwood Lacey of Montevallo, Alabama, Jim Patrick Ellison, M.D. of Winston-Salem, North Carolina, Steven Levi Ellison and Beau Mac Ellison of Auburn, Alabama, and Bret Allen (Martha Ann) of Pensacola, Florida.
Russell grew up in Valdosta, Georgia and graduated from Auburn University and the University of South Alabama School of Banking. He was a member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity. Russell moved from Atlanta to Sylacauga in 1989 and served as a community banker for thirty years, specifically the areas of Sylacauga, Childersburg, and Chelsea. He served in various roles leading to Market President, East Alabama upon his retirement in 2021. His most recent role was the position of Chief Workforce Development Officer with SAFE Family Services in Sylacauga.
Russell was an accomplished artist. He studied with well-known artists across the country. He enjoyed traveling to various cities in the U. S. and abroad for inspiration. Russell’s artwork is represented by Arceneaux Gallery, Homewood, Alabama and Stonehenge Fine Art Gallery, Montgomery, Alabama.
Russell served on the boards of Alabama Childhood Food Solutions and Sylacauga Chamber of Commerce. He also served as President of the Sylacauga Rotary Club from 2021-2022. He was a member of Westwood Baptist Church in Alabaster.
Visitation and funeral services will be held on Thursday, December 5, 2024, at First Baptist Church of Sylacauga, 10 South Broadway Ave, Sylacauga, AL 35150. The family will receive visitors from 10:00 a.m. until 11:30 a.m. with memorial service to immediately follow. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Russell’s memory to Alabama Childhood Food Solutions, 114 Canyon Ridge Road, Sylacauga, AL
35151; SAFE Family Services, 78 Betsy Ross Lane, Sylacauga, AL 35150; Talladega County Education Foundation, P.O. Box 887, Talladega, AL 35161.
The family would like to thank Payson Daugherty, M.D., Ronald Roan, M.D., and the entire Intensivist Team at Grandview Hospital for their commitment to Russell’s care during his brief illness.
