Ray Levon Scruggs, 79, of Clanton, passed away Aug. 30 at Shelby Baptist Medical Center in Alabaster.

A native of Monroe County, Scruggs was born on June 22, 1935, and was a graduate of Excel High School.

He attended Livingston University where he played football and graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in education.

He also earned his Master of Education and AA degree in administration.

Scruggs proudly served the Chilton County school system for 38 years as principal of Chilton County High School, a member of the Chilton County Board of Education, teacher, bus driver, and athletic coach.

Scruggs was a member of First Baptist Church in Clanton for 55 years.

He was a member of the Chilton County Teacher’s Association, the Chilton County Retired Teachers, and the Clanton Lions Club.

He enjoyed traveling and spending time with his family.

He is survived by his wife, Hera S. Scruggs of Clanton; daughter, Tammy Lewis (Everette) of Clanton; son, Brent Scruggs (Paige) of Clanton; brother, Bill Scruggs (Gwen) of Excel; granddaughter, Bethany Bice McClure (Scott) of Kennesaw, Ga.; granddaughter, Brentley Scruggs Messer (Clay) of Auburn; grandson, Brett Bice of Birmingham; grandson, Brittan Scruggs of Clanton; great-granddaughter, Sarah McClure of Kennesaw, Ga., as well as a number of nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Walter Taft and Willia Mae Scruggs; brother, Jimmy Scruggs; sister, Peggy Baggett; brother, Mike Scruggs; brother, Randall Scruggs and in-laws, C.S. “Dutch” and Alberta Shumack.

A memorial service was held Sept. 1 at 2 p.m. at First Baptist Church in Clanton.

Friends were received one hour prior to the service where the Rev. Matt DeBord and the Rev. Jay Hurd will be presiding.

Graveside followed with the Rev. Jack Drinkwater closing in prayer.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests gifts to the UAB Department of Neurology for Parkinson’s Disease Research, mailed to 1720 Second Ave. South, Suite 360B, Birmingham, AL 35294 or online at www.uab.edu/give/parkinsons.