Rockwood Middle School has announced the passing of assistant baseball coach Matt Goddard at age 38 from natural causes.

“Coach Matt meant so much to our players and our school. He gave his time, his encouragement, and his heart to our kids, and that impact will not be forgotten,” the school said.

He was born on May 21st, 1987. Matt was employed with Rockwood Electric Utility, where he has worked for the last 15 years. He was also a member of the First Presbyterian Church in Rockwood. He was a 2005 graduate of Rockwood High School, where he played for some of the best baseball teams in Rockwood’s history. He later attended Roane State, where he also continued his baseball career playing third base.

After college, Matt never left the game of baseball. Some players aim to play professional ball, and others make a decision of giving back. Matt chose to give back to the program that he was so proud to be a part of. After his son was born, he put a baseball, a bat, and a glove on him as soon as he could. He had the privilege of coaching his son from the time he first picked up that bat, and so many others across Dixie Youth Baseball, and now also served as an assistant baseball coach for the Rockwood Middle School baseball team. Matt’s love for the game extended far beyond his own family’s reach. He was a part of raising a talented group of young kids throughout city league sports. He has always coached and been involved with the Rockwood Parks and Recreation department. He has dedicated his blood, sweat, tears, and every moment of his time to those kids. His contributions to youth sports in our community were insurmountable.

The family will receive friends on Wednesday, March 25, 2026, from 5 to 7 p.m. Eastern at Evans Mortuary in Rockwood. Funeral service will be held on Thursday, March 26, 2026, at 11 a.m. Eastern at Evans Mortuary in Rockwood. Graveside and interment service will follow in the Oak Grove Cemetery in Rockwood. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial donations be made to the Rockwood Middle School Baseball team or any Rockwood youth sports league of your choice, in Matt’s name in honor of his dedication and commitment to the youth sports development of young Rockwood boys and girls.

Evans Mortuary in Rockwood is serving the family of Matt Goddard.