Robert Gordon Scruggs

Robert Gordon "Bob" Scruggs, 78, of Mills River, NC passed away on January 6, 2026 in his home.

Born in Asheville, Bob was the only child of the late Robert Wade Scruggs and Sue Belle Bishop Scruggs.

He was a 1965 graduate of West Henderson High School. Bob received his AAS Degree from AB Technical College, 1972; his BSBA from Mars Hill College in 1974; his MDiv/MRE in Religion from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary in 1987; and a diploma in Computer Operations from Blue Ridge Community College in 1990.

Mr. Scruggs was a proud veteran of the US Air Force who served in the Vietnam War from 1966-1970. He received the National Defense Medal, Rifle Marksmanship Award, Good Conduct Medal, and Outstanding Unit Award. Bob was a lifetime member of the American Legion, DAV, VFW, and AMVETS, having served as District Commander of each.

Mr. Scruggs was also a lifetime member of the Masons, Scottish Rite, York Rite and Shrine. Because of his service in the US Air Force and with the Masons, Bob learned the value of community. His volunteerism was well appreciated and honored by several prestigious awards he received, one of the most notable being the Order of the Long Leaf Pine in 2015. This is an honor granted by the State of North Carolina to individuals who have "shown extraordinary service to the state. It is the highest award for state service granted by the Office of the Governor."

He was also awarded the George Seal DAV National Male Volunteer of the Year Award in Denver, Colorado in 2015, by the DAV, and was named the Charles George VAMC Volunteer of the Year in 2020, with over 30,000 volunteer hours. He received the American Legion Department Service Officer of the Year in 2019. Bob served as president of the Wake County Veterans Council, the Department treasurer of DAV, and the president of Trout Unlimited. In 2020, he was recognized as the American Legion National Outstanding VAVS Volunteer Worker of the Year and received the President's Volunteer Service Award – Gold Level. He was also the adjutant for DAV Beddingfield-Shytle Ch. 14 and cofounder of Henderson County Voiture 1617, 40 Hommes et 8 Chevaux.

He retired in 1987 from his employment as both a residential construction inspector and forensic accountant.

Mr. Scruggs is survived by his many friends and will long be remembered for the tireless hours he spent serving his country and community.

A graveside service will be held in Bob's honor at Shepherd Memorial Park on Sunday, January 11, 2026 at 2:00 PM.