Union University Athletics

A Jackson, Tennessee native, Buford Matlock was born on December 20, 1924. At Jackson High School, Mr. Matlock served as co-captain of the 1942 Golden Bears football team. After graduation, he served a term of duty in the U. S. Army, playing football for the U.S. Army as starting end and running track for the U. S. team in Germany.

After World War II, Mr. Matlock returned to Jackson, Tennessee, to pursue his education at Union University, receiving his B.S. degree in 1950. He played on the university varsity football team 1946-1949, starting every game but one in his four-year career. He is the only person in Union football history to be elected captain of the team for three years in a row: 1947, 1948, and 1949.

Beginning in 1950, Mr. Matlock served a long and distinguished career as an educator and coach in the Jackson and Madison County School Systems: teaching and coaching at North Side High School for 8 years; teaching and coaching for 7 years at South Side High School; Tigrett Junior High as a teacher for 1 year, and finally as principal of Alexander Elementary School for 24 years from 1966 to 1990. From 1965-89, Mr. Matlock served as a TSSAA football official, working numerous play-off and bowl games.

Mr. Matlock has remained physically fit and active through his participation in the 1997-2001 Senior Games at the district and state level and the Jackson Recreation and Parks Senior Softball League, 2000-2007. He was inducted into the Jackson-Madison County Sports Hall of Fame in 2000.

Married to his wife, Bernice, for 60 years, the Matlocks have two children and six grandchildren. They are active members of First Cumberland Presbyterian Church.