The Flomaton, East Brewton, and beyond are mourning the loss of a local legend, Hugh Fountain, who passed away on Monday, March 24, 2025, at M.D. Anderson Cancer Center in Houston.
The former Escambia Academy headmaster and W.S. Neal football coach left an incredible legacy on the field and in the hearts of those who knew him.
At the center of his life was his wife, Susan Fountain, who stood by his side through decades of triumphs, challenges, and, ultimately, his battle with cancer.
Together with their son, Troy, the Fountain family has been a pillar of strength in their community.
Hugh Fountain was an incredible husband, father, brother, uncle, friend, and preacher.
When he passed, Hugh Fountain was 61 years old. He was a man whose life was defined by football, faith, and family.
His son, Troy, shared the heartbreaking yet hopeful news of his father’s passing, saying-:
“He is in his mansion in heaven right now. I know that for a fact. He was a great man of God.”
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Those words reflect the deep faith that guided Hugh and Susan through life’s ups and downs, including his recent fight against an aggressive cancer that took a devastating toll on his body.
Hugh Fountain Was More Than Just A Coach; He Was A Record-Breaking Achiever
Fountain was born and raised in East Brewton.
He first put on his cleats as a member of the Blue Eagles at W.S. Neal High School, where he played high school football and headed up the Neal program for seven years during the earliest stages of his career.
That early love for the game sparked a coaching career that spanned nearly four decades.
He started coaching at Evergreen in 1988, then spent seven years at W.S. Neal before taking over Charles Henderson High School in Troy from 1996 to 2011.
He racked up 106 wins there, laying the foundation for his reputation as a winner.
In 2012, Hugh became headmaster, head football coach, and athletic director at Escambia Academy (EA).
For 11 years, he poured his heart into the Cougars, leading them to AISA state championships from 2014 to 2017.
His 94 wins at EA cemented his status as a local hero. Then, in June 2022, he returned to his W.S. Neal High School roots, adding 62 more victories to his tally.
That move made history: Hugh became the first coach in Alabama to be the winningest coach at three different schools. This achievement highlights his dedication, skill, and relentless drive.
Behind every great man is a great woman; for Hugh, that was Susan, whom he had been married for decades, Susan was more than just a coach’s wife; she was his partner in every sense.
While Hugh was on the sidelines calling plays, Susan was in the stands cheering, supporting their son Troy, and keeping the family grounded.
Friends and neighbors describe her as warm, strong, and endlessly kind, qualities that shone even brighter as Hugh faced his illness.
When Hugh was diagnosed with cancer, Susan became his most powerful supporter. The family traveled to Houston for treatment at M.D. Anderson, hoping for a miracle.
Updates from loved ones painted a grim picture: his liver and kidneys were failing, and his breathing grew labored.
Yet through it all, Susan remained by his side, a quiet source of strength as they navigated the unbearable.
The News Of Hugh’s Passing Spread Throughout Social Media
As former players, students, and friends expressed their grief and gratitude.
One person wrote,
“I just heard that an Amazing Man, Hugh Fountain, went to be with the Lord. He saved my cousins life at a pool party years and years ago, he taught my son track, summer workouts, and so much about how to be someone with a good work ethic and morals.
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So many prayers for his family, his kids at that high school, and every single life he has touched along the way. “
Another added,
“I want to offer my deepest condolences to W.S. Neal High School and the W.S. Neal family for the loss of Hugh Fountain. For the few conversations me and Coach Fountain had he was kind and genuine. My heart breaks for my former school and the hard time they are going through. Prayers of healing in this time. From my heart to the Fountain Family.”
Via Facebook
On March 22, a Facebook post from Sherry Helms urged the community to “pray hard” for Hugh as doctors fought to treat his “awful cancer.”
Days later, a somber update from a family friend confirmed the worst: palliative care was the next step, and there was “no hope of cure.”
For Susan and Troy, the loss is unimaginable, but they’re not alone hundreds of lives touched by Hugh are rallying around them.
Sending thoughts and prayers to the family, former and current players, of Coach Hugh Fountain. R.I.P. pic.twitter.com/mD9PdfVXxo
— Alabama Football Scoop (@AlabamaFBScoop) March 25, 2025
Hugh Fountain’s story isn’t just about football wins or championship trophies.
It’s about the lives he changed, like the cousin he saved at that pool party or the countless kids he mentored into adulthood.
It’s about Susan, the woman who shared his journey, and Troy, who carries his father’s spirit forward.
Cancer may have taken Hugh Fountain too soon, but it couldn’t erase the love, faith, and legacy he built with Susan by his side.
That legacy lives on in Flomaton, East Brewton, and every field he ever coached.
