Funeral services for James Clay Mattox, 70, will be held on Saturday, September 22, 2018, 2:00 P.M. at Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church in Greenwood, Mississippi. Mr. Mattox passed away peacefully on Wednesday, September 19, 2018, at Asbury Hospice House in Hattiesburg, MS. Visitation will be held at Wilson and Knight Funeral Home in Greenwood on Friday, September 21, 2018, from 6:00 until 9:00 P.M. A private interment will be held at a later date.
Coach Mattox, as he was affectionately known, was born in Tupelo, MS, on August 19, 1948. He graduated from Tupelo High School in 1966, where he was an integral part of the 1965 and 1966 State Grandslam 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 MS 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 twenty-two 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. Coach Mattox 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.
He is survived by his loving wife, Dr. Marietta Welch Mattox of Columbia, MS; two sons, James FitzGibbons Mattox of Greenwood, MS, and Robert Noles Mattox (Amy) of Hattiesburg, MS; stepson, Andrew F. James of Metarie, LA; two brothers, Steve Mattox (Mary Catherine) of Mt. Pleasant, SC, and David Mattox of Medina, TN; sister-in-law Barbara Groves Mattox of Arlington, VA; four grandsons, Trenton Maeleigh Mattox of Brandon, MS, and Noah Noles Mattox, Axel Voss Mattox, and Colter Carey Mattox of Hattiesburg, MS; and four nephews and two nieces.
Pallbearers will be Kelly Adams, Matt Avant, Lee Houston, Wade Johnson, Preston Rideout, and Shane Young. Honorary pallbearers will be 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). Wilson and Knight Funeral Home is in charge. Online guest book may be signed at www.wilsonandknight.com