Delos Cassels 'Coach' Wilson

Delos Cassels "Coach" Wilson, 80, a resident of Summit, passed away on October 1, 2026 at SWRMC with his loving wife at his side.

A visitation was held on October 5, at Hartman Jones Funeral Home from 5PM until 8PM, and continued Tuesday, October 6, from 12PM until services at 2PM. Rev. Vernon Butler, Rev. Dellie Robinson, and Rev. Curtis Brewer did officiate. Hartman Jones Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

Cassels Wilson was born on September 16, 1946, in McComb, to the late Bernard and Ottomese Cassels Wilson. He was also preceded in death by his father-in-law Bodick Brewer and his mother-in-law Wynette Brewer; a special nephew Chris Rayborn with whom he spent a great amount of time; his beloved uncle Raymond Cassels; his brothers Charles Wilson and Billy Wilson; his sister Bobbye Harrelson; and his nephews Mark Brown, Lonnie Wilson, and Steve Wilson.

He was also preceded by close friends Melvin Dubuisson and Dutch Nichols, as well as former players Jamie Johnson, Jackie Johnson, Gary Harper, George Brown, Jackie Robinson, and many others that he loved dearly.

Cassels is survived by his wife of 56 years, Debbie Brewer Wilson; their 2 sons Joshua Todd Wilson and Nicholas Chandler Wilson; 3 sisters Patsy Brown, Meynell Wilson, and Karen Wilson; his brother Harold Wilson; 3 sisters-in-law Louette Smith, Donna DeLoach (Dennis) and Suzie Brewer; along with numerous nieces and nephews. He also leaves behind a group of awesome classmates who are life-long friends and his Burger King group with whom he began each day. He will be missed by his horse Drew Brees.

Cassels was a member of Felder Church and a former member of Pisgah United Methodist Church where he served in all capacities though the years as a Sunday School Teacher, Lay Leader, PPR Chair, Finance Committee, and Board of Trustees.

He was a strong believer in family and never missed family celebrations, get-togethers, and reunions.

He is a 1964 graduate of McComb High School where his love for basketball began. He received a basketball scholarship to SMCC, graduating in 1966, then continued his basketball career at Millsaps College, where he graduated in 1968.

Cassels then began his 36-year stint at North Pike coaching and teaching. He was a legendary basketball coach, but also excelled in the classroom. He taught American and U.S. History and chaired the Social Studies Department. He held professional membership in the MS Department of Education and the MS Association of Coaches in which he served two terms on the Board of Directors. Cassels served as a member of the American Society of Curriculum Development and also was a member of the MS Department of Education's Committee for Teacher and Administrator Certification.

His honors include being named Conference Coach of the Year numerous times and Division Coach of the Year 5 times. He was selected as a member of the SMCC Sports Hall of Fame and the Mississippi Community College Sports Hall of Fame.

Pallbearers were Josh Matthews Class of 2001, Alex Miller Class of 2004, Ryan Ezell Class of 1997, Chad Robinson Class of 1991, Brad Van Norman Class of 1996, Chadwick Johnson Class of 1993, Daniel "Mookie" McGaffeny Class of 1999, Tellis Wayne Allen Class of 1978, and Jonathan Small Class of 1998.