Retired United States Navy Petty Officer 1st Class, Deane Alan Scruggs, 72, of Memphis, died surrounded by his family on May 28, 2025.

Deane was born in Houston, TX on October 31, 1952, to Mary Jeanne Scruggs and William Deane Scruggs. A proud veteran, Deane served 21 years in the U.S. Navy as an Aviation Machinist's Mate. He served as a Petty Officer 1st Class on the USS Enterprise and assisted in rescuing thousands of evacuees from the fall of Saigon, Vietnam. During his service, he was stationed in many locations around the world, including San Diego, California and Subic Bay, Philippines. He spent the last part of his Naval career at NSA Memphis in Millington, TN until his retirement in 1995.

While serving his country, Deane was awarded the Navy Achievement Medal, Navy "E" Ribbon, National Defense Service Medal, Sea Service Deployment Ribbon, Good Conduct Medal with four bronze stars, and the Expert Pistol Shot Award. Following his retirement from the Navy, Deane worked for Fugitt Rubber & Supply for 20 years.

For over 46 years, Deane shared his life with his wife, Rose. Their bond was one forged through years of companionship and mutual respect as they built their lives together. As a loving father, he encouraged honesty and integrity, values he instilled in his two daughters from a very young age. He also taught them to be independent and self-sufficient and to take pride in success and learn from failure. He was particularly proud of his children's and grandchildren's accomplishments.

Deane was a quiet, thoughtful man who chose his words with care—and when he did speak, it was worth listening. He had an insatiable curiosity and spent countless hours reading and researching topics that fascinated him, particularly Texas history, military affairs, and world events.

Though gentle and unassuming, Deane had a sly, sarcastic wit and a fondness for a well-timed prank. He valued solitude as much as good company and enjoyed exploring the mysteries of the paranormal, a subject that captivated his imagination.

Deane will be deeply missed and fondly remembered. He is survived by his wife, Rosario "Rose" Catana Scruggs; daughters Catherine Rose Scruggs (Emily Sharpe) and Mary Jeanne Carlisle (Shane); grandchildren Kirsten Carlisle, Reece Carlisle and Natalie Selby; niece, Marianne Arceneaux and nephew, Andrew Arceneaux. He is also survived by his beloved dog, Missy. He was predeceased by his parents and his sister, Donna Jeanne Arceneaux.

The family will receive friends on Thursday, June 12 from 4:00 until 6:00 p.m. at Northridge Woodhaven Cemetery & Funeral Home, 6755 US-51, Millington, TN 38053.

A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, June 13 at the funeral home. Interment with military honors will immediately follow at West Tennessee State Veterans Cemetery, 4000 Forest Hill Irene Rd, Memphis, TN 38125.