Rick M. Scoggins

 Richard (Rick) Scoggins, age 65, passed away on September 18th, 2024 at his home. He was the husband of Pamela (Pam) Kay Scoggins. They shared thirty-six years of marriage together.

Born in Holyoke, Massachusetts, he was the son of James (Jim) and Shirley Scoggins. He graduated from Bradley Central High School and attended Cleveland State Community College. He was employed by Dr. Scholl’s/Schering-Plough for thirty-seven years and retired in 2019 at the age of 60.

Rick was affectionately known as “Babe” by Pam, “Poppy” by his grandkids, and “Pud” by most others that knew him. Rick was best known for his willingness to help others. Many times, he could be found working on friends and other family members projects before his own. Among his many accomplishments Rick was first and foremost a “Master Mechanic”. He never met a project regardless of how large or small, that he wouldn’t tackle without hesitation.

Throughout his childhood years, being part of an Air Force family, Rick lived in England, the Azores, South Carolina, California and Massachusetts among other states. In 1994, the family moved to Tennessee when his father retired from the Air Force. As a kid growing up with three brothers, there were plenty of sports and activities, not to mention a few altercations when the brothers got a little too competitive. Despite the occasional altercations, Rick and his three brothers remained extremely close, and all settled here in Bradley County. 

One of Rick’s many passions was playing the drums. Rick and his brothers formed a band in 1987 and named the band FOUR SHORT MEN. For the next twenty years they practiced almost every Sunday at the “Jam Hut” and played many local venues in Bradley and surrounding counties. They opened for the Dixie Allstars at a venue in 1996 in Cleveland. That same year, they also played Summerfest in downtown Cleveland to celebrate the Whitewater events being held on the Ocoee River during the 1996 Olympics. 

Rick was an exceptional athlete. Although baseball, basketball, and bowling were some of his favorites he was a natural at anything he tried. Occasionally, he and his three brothers and any friends that showed up could be found in the basement of someone’s home, gathered around a ping pong table, and usually Rick reigned supreme. After his baseball and basketball playing days were done, he found great joy in coaching and developing young players. He was especially proud of coaching his son Tyler from the time he was four years old until he turned fifteen. Rick wanted to instill in his players more knowledge than just the game itself. 

Many a Saturday night, you could find Rick and his nephew Kenny racing at the Cleveland Speedway. They raced Class A Hobby, and Kenny and Rick were a two-man team. Kenny drove and Rick was everything from Head Mechanic, Pit Crew, Crew Chief, and anything else that was required of him. They raced for seventeen years before calling it quits. Family and friends would frequently make a Saturday night of it going to watch Rick and Kenny hoping for a win. They won multiple feature races during this time.

Rick and Pam enjoyed spending time with each other and the many friends they shared. Trips to the beach, Chicago, and Kentucky were a common occurrence. One recent tradition was Friday night dinners. Rick and Pam would gather with kids and grandkids to enjoy dinner and anything else the grandkids wanted to do. They also enjoyed antiquing (mantiquing as Rick called it). They would frequently head out to go to different antique malls and yard sales to see what treasures they might find or as Rick would say “couldn’t live without”. He was a devoted and loving husband and would refer to Pam as his #1 angel. He loved her with all his heart, and she stood by him until his final days, never wavering.

Those that knew Rick well would likely remember him most for his infectious personality. Anyone he crossed paths with would tell you that his desire to help others was one of the hallmarks of his life. 

He was preceded in death by his parents James (Jim) Scoggins and Shirley Scoggins. He is survived by his wife, Pamela (Pam) Scoggins. His children Tyler Marcrom (Brandi) and Whitney (Myka) Scoggins. His grandchildren Jayden Scoggins, Laney Marcrom, and Boone Marcrom. Brothers Eddie Scoggins (Patty), Steve Scoggins (Candy), and Brian Scoggins (Kelly) as well as Sarah Scoggins, stepmother and many loving nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers the family ask that donations be made to St. Jude Children's Hospital at www.stjude.org