Kenneth Randall Scarbrough, Sr., 92, of Knoxville, TN, passed away peacefully on Monday April 25, 2016. Mr. Scarbrough was known to his friends as Bud. He was a skilled master craftsman, who could work with metal as if it were clay. Bud was an American hero, having fought in five major battles in WWII from North Africa, through Sicily and Italy. As a paratrooper, his unit, the 551st US Army Parachute Infantry Battalion, then jumped behind the German lines in France to pull four divisions off the beach for the D-day invasion. They then moved into Belgium where they played a major role in the Battle of the Bulge. Of the over 800 men originally in the battalion, there are 110 survivors who were absorbed into the 82nd Airborne Division. He was wounded in that battle, but declined the Purple Heart because "his buddies were dying all around him and all that was wrong with him was frozen feet and some lead in his leg." He returned to battle. He completed the journey to Berlin as part of the conquering army and occupying force. Bud was a trusted friend to many. He loved God. Bud was known as a person who always was willing to help. He was a great family man, and will be missed greatly.
He is preceded in death by his wife of 42 years, Bessie Hall Scarbrough; and his parents Fred and Pearl Ladd Scarbrough; two children Rhonda Crawford and Kenneth Randall Scarbrough Jr.; four brothers; and three sisters.
Bud is survived by his daughters Brenda (Richard) Neal, Hope (Justin) Jones, Amanda (Ray) Shelton, and Candice Scarbrough; his daughter-in-law Janice Scarbrough; eight grandchildren; one great-grandchild; his brother Pete Scarbrough; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be Thursday, April 28, 2016 from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM, with a service to follow, where Pastor Jim Waddell will officiate, at Woodhaven Funeral Home, 160 Edgemoor Rd, Powell, TN. Interment will be Friday morning at 11:00 AM, at Woodhaven Memorial Gardens.
In lieu of flowers the family asks for donations to Gideon International in Bud''s name.
"Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, Verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the Kingdom of God" John 3:3Bud''s favorite verse.
To share your thoughts and condolences please go to www.woodhavenfh.com. Woodhaven Funeral Home & Memorial Gardens are honored to serve the Scarbrough Family.