Date of Death: March 25, 2026
Service Details
Obituary Notice
Billy Joe Scruggs, 76, of Three Rivers, passed away Wednesday, March 25, 2026 at his home.
He was born May 17, 1949 in Paw Paw, the son of Clarence M. and Josephine M. (Milan) Scruggs, and graduated from Paw Paw High School with the Class of 1968.
Billy served his country in the United States Army from 1968-1972.
He loved to drive and became an OTR driver before starting his family. In 1990 he took a position with the City of Kalamazoo as a public bus driver, a position he held until retirement in 2012.
On December 13, 1991, Billy married Jayne Wearmouth. In 1995 he and Jayne became foster parents, caring for over 125 children in the next five years before retiring from foster care to adopt four girls.
He was a lifelong Detroit Lions fan, with a love for old hot rod cars and drawing as well as long country drives.
Remaining to cherish his memory are his wife, Jayne Scruggs; children, Christin Keeler (Eddie), Holly Travis (Jeremy), Shelly Scruggs, John Davis Scruggs, Kala Scruggs, Taelor Scruggs, Caitlin Scruggs, and Sarah Grace Scruggs; and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his siblings, Louis Marvin, Nina Joy and Robert James, and by his daughter, Jessica Renea.
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We Only knew Bill for a short time when they lived across the street from us in Vicksburg. Bill was a very kind man who loved his wife and kids very much! I sure missed them when they moved away!! Rest in Peace Bill!
He wasn’t just my dad—he was my hero. The quiet strength he carried, the love he gave so freely, and the way he always put his family first are things I will never forget. Even though he’s gone, the impact he made on my life will never fade. I love you Dad!
It’s been two weeks since you left me and ran to the arms of our Heavenly Father! The pain is so hard to understand. You have no more pain or suffering sweetheart. I have spent more than half of my life with you, so hard to take the next step, what ever that may be. I am thankful you are with the Holy Trinity but miss you more than I can bear. You are the only true Love of my life. Thank you for being the love of our Family. Hugs and kisses for sweet Jessica. Will be with you in Gods speed. We were supposed to go together. Remember? I love you ALWAYS Billy!
Oh how well miss the sweet smile and kindness of his heart dear sweet Uncke. I will always have the treasured memories .Say hello to Mom .Give her a big hug from us girls. And the rest of the family. ❤️
For almost all of my life, you were the only positive male figure I had. I’ll forever strive to obtain your level of patience and tolerance of people. Although most of it was vicarious learning I cant thank you enough for the opportunities and lessons you bestowed upon me. Fly high and rest easy. We love you.
I believe that we choose our families and I chose you many years ago as a brother, I introduced you to my best friend and a beautiful love story began. You were an amazing man who loved and were loved by everyone who was lucky enough to be a part of your life. I will see you again in heaven my dear friend.
My dearest uncle. You were my Father figure growing up, my mentor, and hero, I’ll always remember some of our deep. Conversations about life. You walked me down the isle in my first wedding, and let me.live with you when I.left home at 17. Such an amazing man, you’ll always live in my heart. Mom respected you as her.little brother. When you broke both your arms in a motorcycle accident. I came to tge hospital to feed you birthday cake. The memories go on and on. Always cherished, forever! You were the best Uncle ever!
I will forever be greatful for this man taking me under his wing and adopting me and showing me what love and family is papa I can’t believe your gone I’ll never forget you and the memories we made Christmas shopping for mama without her knowing