MARCUS NIX JR. SCHOLARSHIP
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The Marcus Nix Jr. Scholarship fundraiser, created by his family and supported by the Marion Berries, is intended to help to cover the costs for an athlete participating in the Berries Academy.We want to continue to honor Coach Marcus Nix Jr by developing young people through baseball.
Who was Marcus Nix Jr.? - A letter from Mom
Marcus Lee Nix Jr was born on May 11, 1998. At almost 9 pounds and 22 inches long, he came into this world strong! As a little boy, Marcus was full of energy. Like most little boys he loved hot wheels, cartoons, outside, and video games. At two years old, he became a big brother and his natural ability to lead and nurture others began.
Early on he showed an interest in sports. He would throw a spiral football down the hallway and hit balls off the tee. He was a natural athlete. He played all sports throughout childhood into adolescence and then adulthood. It became very apparent that he was a natural leader. Our door never stopped getting knocked on by the neighborhood kids anywhere we ever lived. He also loved fishing and enjoyed going often.
I wish everyone could have known how much time meant to him. Time can be a challenge to some, but he made the best of his time, by doing things that brought himself or others joy. I’m so glad that he got that down early in life. Marcus had big dreams and big plans!
We always talked about providing some type of public service for the homeless, animals in need, or after school program. When he worked with the Salem Child Development Center, this provided an environment to work with kids and be an active mentor in their life, and he LOVED
it. Coaching baseball with the Marion Berries Baseball Academy was a no brainer as it became a part of his life. It was as if two of his loves had merged together and he was so happy to have them both. Sadly, time was not on his side as he was only 27 years old when a car accident injured him severely and he did not survive. His presence is greatly missed.
THIS SCHOLARSHIP:
If we can help others the way Marcus was helped, while also keeping his name alive, I think that is the ultimate homage that we can pay to honor who he was and what he was about. I know in my heart that his time was cut short. And I’m not just saying that because he is my son. I say that
because he voiced his goals, his plans, his wishes often. I know that he was going to carry through with them and that is why this scholarship program has become a focus for us. We are going to keep doing his work and help others live up to half of, if not more, of what he was going
to do.
Marcus Nix Jr. - A letter from Jalene, Marcus' girlfriend
Marcus was a very special person to me and someone I envisioned a lifetime with. I was grateful to spend 2 years by his side, before it was tragically cut short. When I met Marcus I could tell that he had a big heart because of the love and passion he had for the youth. Marcus was a jack of all trades; he was a referee, an umpire, a certified dog trainer, and a coach for youth sports. Not only was he all of those, but he was a gentle and loving partner that added so much good to my life that I am eternally gratefu for. Marcus’s family and I hope to continue his passion that he had for youth sports by continuing to provide opportunities for young athletes through the use of this scholarship. Marcus was just getting started as a young coach with the Marion Berries, and I am tremendously grateful for the support that this organization continues to show us by helping us honor Marcus as a person and as a coach.