Family, friends, educators, former players and Lowndes County residents came together Sunday for a Celebration of Life for longtime Caledonia High School teacher, coach and administrator Joshua, Josh, Floyd Scott, who died July 22, 2025, at Baptist Memorial Hospital-Golden Triangle in Columbus. Scott was 50.
“Coach Scott was more than a coach and an athletic director,” CHS Principal Gregory Elliott said in his introduction to the program, which included speakers, a video and prayer. “He was a husband, a father, a brother, a son, a mentor, a leader, a friend and a difference-maker in the lives of students and staff. Coach Scott didn’t just run plays or schedule games. He ran the race with endurance and left everything on the field of life.”
Coach Larry Wright, Coach Chris Chambless, Coach Mark Hysaw, Coach Murray Woody, Coach James Reed and Coach Randy Finch shared memories and stories about Scott that stretched from his days as an Eagle Scout to an athlete at Houlka High to his undergraduate studies at Mississippi State University to his work as a teacher, coach and administrator from 1996 to 2017 at CHS.
The speakers agreed Scott, who also was a volunteer fireman for District 1 in Lowndes County, was called to lead, teach and serve and that he did it all with humility.
Chambless, who went on to be football coach at West Point High and is now football coach at Gordo High (Ala.), went to MSU with Scott. He said Scott introduced him to deep fried bacon, was a competitor who hated to lose at anything and was a “gentle soul” who was always willing to help somebody.
Hysaw related memories of Scott that highlighted the fact his friend was grounded and had a calming nature about him, was generous with his time, his knowledge and himself, was an extremely giving person and was a godly man.
“Coach Scott had an impact on all of us here, and all the ones who weren’t able to make it here for today’s celebration,” Hysaw said. “I believe all of us can honestly say we are better people because Josh Scott was a part of our lives.”
Woody and Finch played basketball for Scott in his early years at CHS. At that time, they agreed Scott wasn’t as even-keeled as he was in his later years. Regardless of whether it was the early days or later in his career, Woody and Finch said Scott accomplished everything with hard work.
“Coach Scott was all about supporting others and being a positive impact on somebody’s life,” Woody said. “I said in a Facebook post, he was the definition of putting others before himself. That is the biggest thing I will take from Coach Scott. He was all about doing for others and he never asked for anything in return. I hope somewhere along the line I will have the same type of impact on somebody.”
Said Finch, “As I said at his funeral, Coach Scott was a staple at Caledonia. You never had to look for him. He was always available. He had a servant attitude and was always willing to give you whatever wisdom you needed and patience.”
Reed said that approach made Scott a wealthy man.
“Coach Scott left this world a rich man because of what he did and the folks he influenced who are still going to be around with a ‘Coach Scott mentality,’” Reed said. “That’s what he taught: How to be without talking about it. I am going to miss him a lot.”
Scott earned a bachelor’s degree in Social Studies from MSU in 1996 before he moved to CHS, where he served as the offensive line coach until 1998. Scott also served as cross country coach (2000 to 2003), boys track and field coach (2006 to 2008) and boys basketball coach (1996 to 2017).
In 2010, Scott earned his master’s degree in educational leadership from Mississippi University for Women. From 2011 until 2025, he served as the athletic director for Caledonia Schools. He earned multiple nominations for the Mississippi High School Activities Association Athletic Director of the Year (2022–2025).
Josh is survived by his wife, Maria Scott; his parents, William and Icie Scott; his children, Brooke Scott, Taylor Stephens and Madison (Carson) Traywick; his brothers, Hank (Stacie) Scott and Harmon (Beth) Scott; his niece and nephews, Hannah and Liam Grey, Carter, Lee, Robert, Josh and James Scott.
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