ALCORN STATE, MS -- The Alcorn State family remembers golf legend and colleague Thomas Matthews. Coach Matthews served as the Braves head men's and women's golf coach from 2009 until he departed this life at the University of Mississippi Medical Center on Thursday, October 4. Services for Matthews will be held on Saturday, October 13, 12:00 noon at Pilgrim Baptist Church; located at 117 Pilgrim Blvd, Natchez, MS.
Matthews was a graduate of Sadie V. Thompson High School in Natchez and Coahoma Junior College in Clarksdale. In 1965, he received his B.S. degree from Jackson State College. He taught for over 25 years in various school districts throughout his career in Mississippi and Louisiana.
Coach Matthews was a sports fanatic, but golf was truly his first love. He used his golf skills and his outgoing personality to tear down walls and bridge the gap between races, especially after the 1960's. He helped prejudices disappear and had a way of getting everyone to work together, whether it was on the golf course or elsewhere. He loved introducing the world of golf to the younger generations. He was the first African-American professional golf pro at Duncan Park in Natchez, Mississippi. In an era that followed the tumultuous 1960's, he made sure that everyone was welcome to play golf at Duncan Park Golf Course, no matter if you were male or female, black or white, young or old. He wanted everyone to experience the great game of golf or improve their current game. Matthews made each person his friend with his quick smile and sense of humor.
In the late 1960's, he played in many golf tournaments and won on a regular basis, at a time when you did not see many African-Americans at tournaments. As a result, he made many golf friends and acquaintances throughout Mississippi and Louisiana.
Matthews is survived by his wife, Theresa Matthews; one (1) daughter, Toni Matthews-Kersh (George); three (3) sons: Thomas Matthews, Jr. (Ann), Bryant Bates (Monica), and Phillip Anthony West; a stepdaughter, Tami Washington (Joseph); five (5) grandchildren: Morris Kersh, Kristian Matthews, Javon Washington, Kaelin Kersh and India Washington; one (1) sister, Eva Smith; three (3) brothers: Charles Matthews, Sr., Elmore Matthews, Sr., and Percy Bernard; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
