Coach Mathews was a 1991 graduate of West Lauderdale High School where he lettered in football and basketball. He graduated from Mississippi State University in 2009 with a Bachelor of Science degree. He began his career at MCC. For the past three years he has been head basketball coach at Newton County Academy where he led his teams to the District and MAIS South Central Class A Championship. He was selected to coach the MAIS All Star Team for those three years, was an assistant NCA football coach, FCA leader, and taught economics and government.
Coach Mathews was preceded in death by his grandparents, Otha and Bessie Harmon, Louie B. and Nyleen Mathews; special cousin, Nicole Mathews Castilo.
He is survived by his fiancee, Tonya O'Steen Franklin of Morton, MS; three daughters, Ansley Reese Mathews of Collierville, TN, Tori Franklin of Morton, MS, Gabbi Franklin of Morton, MS; parents, Joan and Donald Ray Parker of Noxapater, MS, and Tom Mathews of Meridian, MS; one sister, Michelle Stubbs and husband, Parker of Madison, MS; one niece, Addie Stubbs; one nephew, Wilkes Stubbs; a number of aunts, uncles and cousins.
Memorials to: Newton County Academy, c/o Tommy Mathews Scholarship Fund or Newton County Academy Basketball Booster Club: Attention: Emily Smith, P.O. Box 25, Decatur, MS 39327.You may leave an on-line condolence or light a memory candle by visiting our website atwww.wolffuneralservices.com.