Paul Malone Grist was born December 2, 1898, in Marietta, Georgia. On November 1, 1919 he arrived in Selma, Alabama to work as the YMCA physical director. He continued in that position until 1950 even after being named the General Secretary in 1934. With Comer Sims, A. G. Parrish High basketball coach, Grist organized one of the first basketball clinics in the South in 1939. He was Ralph "Shug" Jordan's first coach. His contributions to developing men from boys brought him numerous honors. The YMCA in Selma bears Paul M. Grist's name. He passed away in 1982.