Richard Matthew Foutz II

1967 - 2022

Richard Matthew Foutz II

Richard Matthew "Matt" Foutz II passed away on Wednesday, April 27, 2022 at the age of 54. Matt was born on May 28, 1967 in Roanoke, Va. and grew up in Rocky Mount – in a household immersed in the "coach's family" lifestyle, large family gatherings, and the company of his life-long and loyal boyhood friends – experiences he cherished and wanted to provide for his own children.

He attended Franklin County High School and graduated from North Cross High School. He played football at Bridgewater College. As a coach and teacher, he made a difference in the lives of many students and athletes. He coached football, track, and wrestling over his career and taught Physical Education at Amherst High School, Hargrave Military Academy (Post Graduate), Chatham High School, Martinsville High School, and his Alma Mater, Franklin County High School.

Matt had a passion for helping others push their limits and develop healthy habits. His students appreciated his encouragement and words of wisdom (after the fact). He was a great motivator and had highest praise for students who met their goals and challenged themselves to always be better, faster, stronger. His expertise and skill in the weight room was in high demand – he worked with athletes at Ferrum College and helped establish an exercise program at Christian Heritage Academy.

His faith was an inspiration to many through his work with the Fellowship of Christian Athletes and Upward Sports. He frequently used social media to share bible verses and continued to praise the Lord throughout his illness. He was a member of Franklin Heights Church.

Matt is survived by his wife of 25 years, Hila Lee Maxey Foutz; daughter, Holland Carrie Foutz; and son, Eli Matthew Foutz. He is also survived by his brothers, Scott Foutz (Michelle) and Chad Foutz, both of Rocky Mount; his parents-in-law, Henry and Linda Maxey of Chatham; sister-in-law, Heidi Maxey (Will) Oliver of Three Forks, Mont.; and brother-in-law, Hank (Debbie) Maxey of Chatham; seven nieces and five nephews who will all remember him for his words of encouragement, willingness to express his opinion, and love of sports.

He was pre-deceased by his parents, Richard Foutz and Carrie Holland Foutz.

His family will receive friends from 4 to 6 p.m. on Monday, May 2, 2022, at Franklin Heights Church, 110 Hilltop Drive, Rocky Mount. Family and friends are invited to celebrate Matt's life at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, May 3, 2022 also at Franklin Heights Church.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Foutz Hart Foundation at gofundme.com/f/the-foutz-hart-foundation or the Franklin County High School Athletic Fund, 700 Tanyard Road, Rocky Mount, VA 24151.

Arrangements by Flora Funeral Service and Cremation Center, Rocky Mount.