Charles H. SCRUGGS III

SCRUGGS III, Charles H.

Dedicated attorney, devoted husband and father, died June 5, 2016, at the age of 78. He was born in Birmingham, AL, and moved to Tampa in 1945, where he has resided ever since. A graduate of Hillsborough High School, Charles received his BA from the University of Florida and his law degree from the University of Mississippi. He practiced law until 1967, until elected a Tampa Municipal Judge, where he served with distinction, being named Outstanding Florida Municipal Judge in 1973, and was recognized by the American Bar Association as one of America's Outstanding Traffic Court Judges. In 1973, he was elevated to the Circuit Court Bench where he served in the Juvenile, Felony, and General Civil Divisions. He returned to the private practice of law at the end of 1979, and was an active practitioner until his death. Charles was a respected member of the Tampa community, serving with Big Brothers, Police Athletic League, Gulf Ridge Counsel Boy Scouts of America, WEDU Charity Auction, and the Tampa Bay Little League Board. He was awarded the Distinguished Service Award by the Tampa Jaycees, and was named one of Florida's Five Outstanding Young Men by the Florida Jaycees. Charles was a devoted and active parishioner of St. John's Episcopal Church. He served two terms on the Vestry, chaired the Men's Bible Study Class for 20 plus years, ushered, and served regularly on the annual Angel Tree Project. He served the Diocese of Southwest Florida for two terms on the Board of Trustees of the Episcopal Conference Center at DaySpring, two terms on the Standing Committee, and one term on the Ecclesiastical Court. Charles and Pam were extremely active in Cursillo for more than two decades, Lay Leader Men's #25, Kairos Lay Leader ZCI #16, and the Suncoast Kairos Board for two six-year terms. He loved to travel, read, attend musical theatre, and draw cartoons. He was a truly decent human being who chose to practice law the same way he chose to live his life, honorably with sensitivity and care of his fellow man. Laughter was a large part of his life. He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Pamela Buzbee Scruggs; children, Christopher and Courtney Scruggs; the light of his life, granddaughter, Shailee Elizabeth Scruggs-Griffith; and many nieces and nephews. Charles was loved by many and will be deeply missed by friends and family. A memorial service will be held Friday, June 24, 11 am, at St. John's Episcopal Church, 906 S. Orleans Ave. The family will receive friends in the Parish Hall immediately following the service. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in his name to St. John's Episcopal Church, DaySpring Conference Center, or Suncoast Kairos.