Charles Altman Scruggs Jr.

Charles Altman Scruggs, Jr.

Nashville, TN

Charles (Charlie) Altman Scruggs, Jr., age 92, died peacefully surrounded by family at the Alive Hospice Center in Nashville, TN on August 29, 2016. He was born in Nashville, TN on November 3, 1923 to Christine Smith and Charles Altman Scruggs, Sr.

He was preceded in death by his first wife and Mother of his children, Ladelle Hooker Scruggs; by his parents; by his brothers, Edward Lee, Vernon Carroll, Marvin, Hugh Elvis, Richard Cole, Lucian Joseph, and by his sister, Margaret Jean Falak. He is survived by current wife, Carolyn Graham Scruggs; 7 children, Dr. Elaine Scruggs Erickson (Frank), Charles (Chuck) A. Scruggs, III (Sharon), Dr. Jonathon C. Scruggs (Rita), Mark C. Scruggs (Mary Jane), Donald C. Scruggs (Gay), Robert C. Scruggs (Kathy), Philip H. Scruggs (Robin); 2 step-children, Karen Aid (Jim) and William Graham(Marsha); 17 grandchildren, 4 step-grandchildren, 7 great grandchildren, special niece, Judith Scruggs Bennett and numerous other nieces, nephews and extended family members.

Charlie was a proud member of the "greatest generation" of Americans who started with nothing, worked endlessly, defended our country in three wars and built the country that has given us the blessings we have today. He began working to support his family at age ten and enlisted in the military, along with his brothers, shortly after Pearl Harbor. He was a commissioned ensign, Navy pilot, flying patrol missions over the Atlantic coast in search of German submarines. After the war, he came home and went to work for Castner-Knott Department Stores. From that point, he spent the next forty-five years managing stores in Green HiIls and Bowling Green, Kentucky. His store was the anchor tenant for what was known as Green Hills Village, the predecessor for what is now one of the most successful shopping areas in Tennessee. He was a member of Christ the King Catholic Church for over sixty-five years. He instilled in his children the values of hard work, no excuses and always give thanks to God. Those same values were shared with his thousands of employees over the years as well as his friends in the community. He was not without a great sense of humor even up to his death. We all mourn his loss yet rejoice in the everlasting salvation he has now realized. As one dear friend put it, he truly was "one of a kind."

A celebration of his life will be held on Saturday, September 3, 2016 at Christ the King Church, 3001 Belmont Blvd., Nashville, Tennessee beginning with visitation with family and friends at noon followed by a memorial mass at 2 pm.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Christ the King Church or School or the charity of your choice.