| Graduation Year | Class of 1974 |
| Date of Passing | May 27, 2008 |
| About | SCOGGINS, COACH WILLIE JR. "The Legend" of Coach Willie Scoggins, Jr. Coach Willie Scoggins, Jr. was born on July 26, 1929. He was the only son of Willie and Ruth Scoggins, both preceded him in death. Coach accepted Christ into his life at an early age and rededicated himself to Sixth Avenue Baptist Church in 2003. He made the transition on May 27, 2008. He met Gladys Calhoun as a teenager and later married her during his college years. They shared a lifelong relationship. Two children were born from this union, Marsaius Antonio Scoggins and Angela Scoggins-Watson. Coach attended Our Lady of Fatima Elementary School, Immaculata High School, Clark College Atlanta, Miles College/BS and Alabama State University/Masters Program. He also served his country well in World War II in the United States Army. He worked diligently for the United States Postal Service, The Birmingham Board of Education (Head -Basketball Coach at both Hayes High School and Ramsay High School) where he retired in 2001. He was also co-partner in S&K/Scoggins and Kennedy Recreation. He dedicated the majority of his life as a "life coach" to family, friends and the youth of Birmingham with his passion to win. He often preached to all whom he mentored to have "pride, class and dignity about yourself and never quit, regardless." He had a competitive nature in all aspects of his life with his "tough guy" demeanor. He was named "Coach of the Year" in 1974 and was recognized nationally as the Coach with the most wins (861) under his friend/rival Coach "Cap" Brown of Parker High School. He was named Head Coach at Ramsay High School during integration in 1974 where he was referred to as "The Red Auerbach of the preps". From his own words regarding coaching, "I have instilled a winning attitude in the minds of the kids I coach and consequently, if they lose, they feel as if they should have won." He was the first African American coach to attend the high school coach's convention at the University of Alabama and participated in the merger of the black and white athletic associations, eventually serving two decades on the Central Board of Control. Coach was often known for "ruffling feathers" with his unique outspoken words of encouragement/motivation on certain matters which he credited to his father, a local upholstery Birmingham businessman. He leaves to cherish his legacy, son, Marsaius Antonio Scoggins (Karen); daughters, Greta Jackson and Angela Scoggins-Watson; two grandchildren, Amber Jackson and Alexis Taylor Watson; two great grandchildren, Amaria and Bailey Guyton; two cousins, Leonard (Leverta) and Roland Hill; two lifetime friends, Josette Collins, W.J. Maye Jr.; and a host of cousins, nieces, nephews and you. The family will have visitation on Friday, June 6, 2008 from 6-8 p.m. at Smith & Gaston Southside Chapel. Memorial service will be June 7, 2008 at 11:00 a.m., Sixth Avenue Baptist Church. In lieu of flowers, the family request a contribution to the "Coach Willie Scoggins Jr. Scholarship Fund" at Regions Bank. Smith & Gaston Southside directing. Published in The Birmingham News on 6/5/2008 |
