James Clay Mattox
70, Columbia
Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 22, 2018, at Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church in Greenwood for James Clay Mattox, 70, of Columbia, who passed away peacefully on Wednesday, Sept. 19 in Hattiesburg. Visitation was held from 6 p.m. until 9 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 21 at Wilson and Knight Funeral Home in Greenwood. A private burial will be held at a later date.
Coach Mattox, as he was affectionately known, was born in Tupelo on Aug. 19, 1948. He graduated from Tupelo High School in 1966, where he was an integral part of the 1965 and 1966 State Grand Slam Champion basketball team. He received an athletic scholarship to Mississippi State University and was a member of the SAE fraternity and the men’s basketball team for four years. He earned both Bachelor of Science and Masters of Science degrees in political science and physical education while at Mississippi State. Coach Mattox began his teaching and coaching career in 1971 at Greenwood High School, where he taught social studies and served as head basketball coach for 22 years. After earning his educational specialist degree in school administration from Delta State University, he continued his career in the Greenwood Public School District as assistant principal at Greenwood High School, principal at W.C. Williams Elementary School and assistant superintendent of operations. He also served on the Mississippi High School Activities Association Executive Committee from 2006-2010. He retired in 2012 after making a lasting impression and having a tremendous impact on the lives of many.
He was preceded in death by his first wife, Carmenan Noles Mattox; his parents, James Edwin and Lucille FitzGibbons Mattox, and a brother, Bill Carey Mattox.
Survivors include his loving wife, Dr. Marietta Welch Mattox of Columbia; two sons, James FitzGibbons Mattox of Greenwood and Robert Noles Mattox (Amy) of Hattiesburg; stepson, Andrew F. James of Metairie, La.; two brothers, Steve Mattox (Mary Catherine) of Mt. Pleasant, S.C. and David Mattox of Medina, Tenn.; sister-in-law, Barbara Groves Mattox of Arlington, Va.; four grandsons, Trenton Maeleigh Mattox of Brandon, and Noah Noles Mattox, Axel Voss Mattox and Colter Carey Mattox, all of Hattiesburg; four nephews and two nieces.
Pallbearers were Kelly Adams, Matt Avant, Lee Houston, Wade Johnson, Preston Rideout and Shane Young. Honorary pallbearers were former basketball coaches and teammates, Kermit Davis, Jerry Clayton, Charles Barber, Howard Bailey and Danny Martin.
Memorial donations can be made to Hope Family Ministries (2754 Mattox St., Tupelo, MS 38801), Holy Trinity Catholic Church (1429 N. Park Avenue, Columbia, MS 39429) or Asbury Hospice House (300 S. 40th Avenue, Hattiesburg, MS 39402).
Online guest book may be signed at www.wilsonandknight.com.
Wilson and Knight Funeral Home was in charge.
