William Douglas "Doug" Manton

William Douglas Manton was born on December 7, 1934, to Allie Cranford and Cozzie Esco Manton. While growing up in Jefferson Davis County, picking cotton as a boy on his family farm, William Douglas learned the value of hard work. He loved others unselfishly, was kind, and had a gentle heart. His love for Christ permeated everything he did and how he interacted with others. In school, he also learned to love sports as he played football, basketball, and baseball for his school, Bassfield High School, from which he graduated in 1952. After high school, William Douglas attended Pearl River Junior College where he continued playing football and basketball. Doug transferred to Mississippi Southern College, now the University of Southern Mississippi, and received his Bachelor’s degree in education. Upon graduating, he joined the faculty and coaching staff at Purvis High School where he coached and taught history. He excelled in this role as he was a natural encourager and exemplary role model. He continued in his education and coaching career at Bogalusa High School while pursuing a Master’s degree. During his teaching and coaching career he motivated his students and players to excel in the classroom and in athletics. After he completed his Master’s, he worked for the Mississippi State Department of Education in Jackson where he was involved in the driver’s education and bus safety programs. In addition to his education career, Doug was a member of the Mississippi National Guard and a long-time member of Broadmoor Baptist Church where he had many cherished friends. His heart’s desire was that everyone he met would develop a relationship with Christ. Doug’s legacy is ongoing and far out reaches earth’s boundaries. He was dearly loved by his family and friends. Doug was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his sons Kevin Douglas Manton and his wife Gail of Brandon, MS, and William Kyle Manton and his wife Fancy of Prairieville, LA; 3 grandchildren, Nicholas Kevin Manton and his wife Laura of Brandon, MS, Justin Kyle Manton and his wife Lauren of Whitehouse, TX, Jordan Manton Talley and her husband Kirk of Lake Charles, LA, Kristen Allen of Brandon, MS, Haley Dollarhide and husband John of Madison, MS; and great-grandchildren, Barrett Kirk Talley, Mary Hogan Allen, Lucy Allen, Grace Evelyn Dollarhide, and Frances Dollarhide. He will be remembered by his former students and players for his guidance and leadership and by all his friends and family for his kindness, humility, and unwavering faith. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you donate to the Coach Doug Manton Scholarship Fund at Pearl River Community College Development / Alumni Services, PO Box 5389, Poplarville, MS 39470 (601) 403-1191. Graveside service will be held on Saturday, January 16, 2021, at 11:00 am at Bassfield Cemetery. Reverend Tommy Jarrett will officiate. Pallbearers include Nicholas Manton, Justin Manton, Kirk Talley, Bobby Speights, Jimmy Manton, and Jimmy McPhail. Saulters-Moore Funeral Home is in charge of arrangementsOnline condolences and a guest registry are available at www.saultersmoorefuneralhome.com