Greenville native Paul Nix, who as head coach of Auburn led the Tigers to three SEC championships and two NCAA College World Series berths, died on Monday. He was 76.

Nix was born in 1932 and played football, basketball, and baseball for Greenville High School, but it was on the diamond where he excelled as both a pitcher and hitter. He also ran track at the school.

Nix played baseball at Troy State and coached six seasons for the Trojans before moving to Auburn. He coached the Tigers from 1963-84, retiring following the 1984 season.

At that time his 217 SEC wins were the most recorded by a conference coach.

Nix coached the Tigers to SEC titles in 1967, 1976 and 1978. His teams finished third in the College World Series in ’67 and seventh in ’76. His all-time record was 515-376.

“Paul Nix was a great Auburn man and we are extremely saddened by his passing,” Auburn Athletics Director Jay Jacobs said. “He laid a strong foundation for our baseball program and brought it national recognition with Auburn’s first-ever College World Series appearance. He was well respected by his players and developed many that went on to have successful careers in and outside of baseball.”

Nix is survived by his wife Gwen, two children, daughter Paula Nix Hooks and son Gary along with three brothers Gordon, Tim and Mike. – Staff