Frank Parker Scruggs Sr.

Scruggs, Frank Parker Sr. was born October 17, 1922 in Thomasville, GA. He departed this life on Saturday, October 15, 2005. Frank was the youngest of seven children born of the union of the late Johnnie and Marjorie Scruggs. Both parents, and all of his siblings, preceded him in death. Frank graduated with the Class of 1941 from Industrial High School in West Palm Beach, FL. He earned a Bachelor of Science Degree from Florida Agricultural and Mechanical College, and a Masters Degree in Education from Florida Atlantic University. He was a scholar, leader, and athlete at Florida A&M College. He served as a member of the student council and excelled in football, baseball, and track. He played football for the legendary Alonzo "Jake" Gaither and was co-captain of the first team for which Gaither was head coach. An educator by profession, Frank taught at Dillard High School from 1947-1967. There, he taught biology and driver's education, and coached winning teams in football, baseball, swimming, and tennis. His tenure as head football coach at Dillard High School produced dominating teams that set and broke many records with his wide open style of offense and tenacious defenses. He found an outlet for his coaching skills as the defensive coordinator for a semi-pro football team, the Ft. Lauderdale Rattlers, which won league state championships in 1978 and 1979. As teacher, coach, and dean, Frank Scruggs, Sr. positively influenced the lives of thousands of young people. The role about which he spoke most fervently, however, was as the father of two sons, Frank, Jr. and Joshua David, who followed the community-service example that he and Frances, his beloved wife of 61 years set. His love also extended to the countless sons and daughters in the Broward County Public Schools who rallied to his call as coach and mentor. In 1968, to facilitate desegregation of the Broward County Schools, he accepted a transfer to Stranahan High School, where he served as a bridge to understanding and strong mentor to students of all kinds. Stranahan parents and students will recall his patience and generosity as Administrative Assistant Principal, Summer School Principal, Acting Principal, and Dean of Boys. "Dean Scruggs" retired from the Broward County School System in 1983, after 36 years of dedicated service to Broward County. Scruggs was honored many times for his accomplishments. In 1992, the Friends of Old Dillard Museum in Ft. Lauderdale declared him a football coaching legend and Florida A&M University inducted him into its Sports Hall of Fame. As a FAMU track star, Scruggs shared running shoes with a star of the women's team, Carrie "Tot" Pitman, who later earned fame as Congresswoman Carrie Meek of Miami. Scruggs was always a leader: at FAMU where he was co-captain in football, baseball, and track; at Mount Hermon AME Church where he served on the Trustee Board and the Finance Committee; in his fraternity, the Alpha Xi Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., where he was a charter member of the alumni chapter; and in the Kiwanis Club of Central Broward, which he served as president. Those left to cherish his memory include his widow, Frances; two sons Frank, Jr. (Floydette), and Joshua David (Barbara), six grandchildren Dalila, Shea, Andrea, Jared, Christopher, and Lea; brothers-in-Law Willie Wooten, Jr. (Chicago, IL), Dennis Wooten (Baltimore, MD), Elijah Wooten, Sr., (Pompano Beach, FL); sisters-in-Law Dorothy Scruggs (West Palm Beach, FL), Rosalie Scruggs (West Palm Beach, FL), Lenora Scruggs (West Palm Beach), Sarah Wooten (Margate, FL), Annie McGowan (Pompano Beach, FL); and a host of nieces, nephews, former students, colleagues and friends. Of the friends, he was especially close to Herman Pittman, Ozzie Davenport, William 'Bill' Cain, and the late James Dallas. Funeral services will occur at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, October 22, 2005 at Mt. Hermon AME Church in Ft. Lauderdale. The wake will occur Friday, October 21 from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at Mt. Hermon. Funeral arrangements are with Roy Mizell and Kurtz Funeral Home, 1305 N.W. 6th Street, Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33311. The funeral home telephone number is (954) 467-3426.