He graduated from Monticello High School, University of Arkansas at Monticello (A & M College), and the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville. He worked for the Monticello School District for 33 years, retiring in 1993. He was a teacher and was principal of W.C. Whaley Elementary School for 23 years.
Tommy was an avid sports participant and fan. He won numerous local and state tennis tournaments as a young man. He kept the clock at UAM basketball games for 52 years. He also kept the clock at UAM football games, Drew Central basketball games, and he also took up tickets at Monticello High School football and basketball games for a number of years. In 2007 he was awarded the UAM Spirit Award for his dedication to UAM athletics.
He was a Christian and a member of First Baptist Church Maumelle. He grew up in the First Presbyterian Church in Monticello where his parents and grandparents before him had also been members. He joined First Baptist Church Monticello in 1970 shortly after his son, Bynum, was born, and he was a member there until his move to Maumelle in 2004.
He is survived by his wife, Patricia Bynum Matthews, his son, Tommy Bynum Matthews, (Traci) of Maumelle, his daughter, Ann Nichols Jones (Dexter) of St. Marys, GA. He is survived by four grandchildren Chellbe DeLaine and Cidnee Kiril Jones, and Everett Bynum and Margaret Katharine Matthews, and one brother, Joe Matthews of Pine Bluff.
Memorials may be made to the Tommy Matthews Athletic Scholarship at UAM Foundation Fund, P.O. Box 3520, Monticello,AR 71656.
Family visitation will be from 6:00-8:00 P.M. Monday evening at Stephenson-Dearman Funeral Home. There will also be a family reception at the First Baptist Church of Maumelle Monday from 11:00 A.M. - 1:00 P.M. preceding the visitation in Monticello.
Condolences(47)
Gail Arnold Wood
Little Rock, AR Sunday, February 8, 2015 I was so sorry to learn about Mr. Matthews. He taught me 7th grade English and I have fond memories of his kind and gentle nature.Lucy Jane Ball
Bay St. Louis, MS Wednesday, February 4, 2015 My heartfelt sympathy to you, Pat, and the children. What a privilege it was to know and learn from such a dedicated, patient, and kind man. I have many fond memories of "Mr. Matthews" from school, the ball games and the tennis court. You should all be so proud of his life and all of the many students and others who were influenced, not only by his teaching, but also in the way he lived his life. Tommy Matthews was a wonderful example of someone who was happy to give of himself and his talents back to the community in which he lived and loved.Jacque Baker Glover
Mtn Home, AR Monday, January 19, 2015 I am sorry to hear about Mr. Matthews passingaway. I grew up in Monticello, he was my principal
at Whaley.
My parents are Keith and Evelyn Baker. They owned
KHBM. We also were members of First Baptist
Church. So we knew the family very well.'
My sister and brother in law live there in Monticello,
Nancy and Alvy Early. Nancy works in the Co-op
office on UAM Campus.'
I always though a lot of him and he will be deeply
missed in the school education and the community.
May God bless you and be with you all. Jacque
and Evelyn
Pam Herrington
, TX Wednesday, January 14, 2015 Pat, Bynum and AnnI was so sadden to hear of Tommy's passing. I will always have fond memories of playing tennis with such a kind and patience man. My prayers are with you all in this time of sorrow.
Judy Kirkley
Crossett, AR Wednesday, January 14, 2015 Pat, We were so sorry to hear about Tommy. You and your family are in our prayers.Robbie Foster
Lansdowne, VA Wednesday, January 14, 2015 Was very sorry to hear of Tommy's passing. I went to school with Tommy, but graduated with his brother, Joe. Thoughts and Prayers are with you and family at this time.Ray and Robbie (Ellis) Foster
Lansdowne, Virginia
Lynn Forrest Sites
North Little Rock, AR Wednesday, January 14, 2015 Ms. Pat, Bynum and family, I'm so sorry for your loss. Mr Matthews was my principal in elementary school. He was such a good man and long time educator. He instilled good behavior in us from a very early age. I know he will be greatly missed.Arron Gurney
Mabelvale, AR Tuesday, January 13, 2015My deepest sympathys. He will be greatly missed. I'll let the Parknson support groups know.
Bobby@Margaret Gilliam
Shreveport, LA Tuesday, January 13, 2015 Our Pravers for ALL THE Family OF TOMMY AND his olderbrother who is in Poor health we knew them well when
in High School at MHS,
Bobby and Margaret Gilliam will keep them in our memoirs
as long as we live.
Beatrice Mitchell
Richmond, TX Tuesday, January 13, 2015 My sincere condolences to the family at this time of loss. Although it is difficult to express just the right words at times like this, may you be deeply comforted by God's promise of resurrection found in the Bible at John 5:28,29. There the Bible assures us that all those in God's memory will be restored to life again. May you reflect on all your happy memories and be comforted as we all await the fulfillment of all the promises of God.Cliff fitzwater
Memphis, TN Tuesday, January 13, 2015 Sorry to hear about the death of mr.matthews was a good guy very fair man as my principal in school... Rip!John & Paige (Hill) Stell
Monticello, AR Tuesday, January 13, 2015 You are all in our thoughts and prayers. Mr. Matthews was one of the kindest people I know. I have memories from elementary school when he was my principal through adulthood as one of my dearest friends dad. My heart breaks for each of you today, but I know that we will all meet him again. Cherish your memories. He's playing tennis today I'm almost positive.Love, John, Paige, Jayson, Colt, Brayden, Brad, Jake, & Jared
Carole Flowers Hughson
Little Rock, AR Tuesday, January 13, 2015 Thoughts and prayers are with the family at this timeEvelyn Cash
Rison, AR Tuesday, January 13, 2015 Pat, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.shirley
Maumelle, AR Tuesday, January 13, 2015 Pat, as you prepare to celebrate Tommy's life today, I offer my sincere condolences. I will be praying today for peace for you and your family.I'm so sorry I didn't know about the family reception at our church; I would have been there to see you. For some reason, if a phone tree message was sent, we did not get it.
Shirley
Janice Wiggam
Hot Springs Village, AR Tuesday, January 13, 2015 Tommy was such a kind and gentle man. He was a great administrator for our school system and a friend to all. I know he will be missed by all. May God surround you with his love to give you peace and comfort at this sad time.With love & sympathy,
Janice Gladden Wiggam
Lowell F. Lynde, Jr.
Monticello, AR Tuesday, January 13, 2015 Dear Pat, I was sorry to hear about Tommy's death. May God be with you and your family at this time. Tommy was a real giant of a man in both soul and stature. Anyone who was playing tennis during its heyday in Monticello can never forget the dynamic duo of Tommy and Glen Gilbert.Christina S.
Maumelle, AR Tuesday, January 13, 2015 My thoughts and prayers go towards all of his family and friends. We will greatly miss his fun and active spirit. Rest in Peace, Mr. Tommy.Frances Smith
Baton Rouge, LA, LA Monday, January 12, 2015 Pat, I am so very sorry for your loss. I will be lifting you, Bynum, Anne and their families in prayer in the coming weeks. May God comfort and give you peace.Charlene and Billy Allen
, AR Monday, January 12, 2015 Pat, we are so sorry for your loss. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers. Tommy was such a sweet person and we always enjoyed being around him.Jim (Jimmy) Davis
Camden, AR Monday, January 12, 2015 To Pat & Family,Mr. Matthews was a teacher and friend to all of his students. When I worked with him in the summer city baseball leagues in the 60's, helping in the concession stands, he was so much fun to be around. He was a standard fixture in all the sports at Monticello and A&M because he was dependable and excellent at whatever task he had to do. I have very good memories and wish him a safe journey.
Yustin Jordan Sr.
Monticello, AR Monday, January 12, 2015 Teacher and principal Tommy Matthews was a important person in my life,he touch me hard work pays off, and do good and good will come back to you. And now he is in God hands. May he rest in peace.From: Yustin C. Jordan Sr. and Family.Sha Strong
Little Rock, AR Monday, January 12, 2015 Sorry for your loss.... Mr. Tommy will be missed dearly he was the heart and soul of Stonehaven love to play Domino, Farkle and he will play solitaire...Mr Tommy was a KIND and LOVING man, we all are going to miss him!!Kim
Mcgehee, AR Monday, January 12, 2015 Mr Matthews was my first Principal as a child. Looking back, he was a very caring and fair principal . I am now an adult in education and we could all learn from his ways today. Lots of happy memories, and he will be missed.Kiaya Pratt LPN
Maumelle, AR Monday, January 12, 2015 Tommy was the heart and soul of Stonehaven. He will be truly missed, may his soul rest in peace. My condolences to the family and friends! He truly was ONE of a KIND!Mike Johnston
Rogers, AR Monday, January 12, 2015 So sorry for your lost Ms. Pat. Tommy was extremely helpful to mewhen I became principal at Drew Central. I even tried to beat him once on the tennis court but he had me running and gasping for air and he was barely moving on the court. It was my pleasure to have known him and also please to have worked with you at Drew Central.Betty morris
Maumelle, AR Monday, January 12, 2015 Pat, so sorry to learn about Tommy. What a joy it was to be at his table for Bingo!! Praying for for you and your family, asking Our Father to pour out His Grace over y'all. Hugs, BettyBill Bodie
Little Rock, AR Monday, January 12, 2015 Bynum, I am so sorry to hear about the passing of your father. May God's peace be with you and your family as you celebrate his life.Jean Orr and family
Maumelle, AR Monday, January 12, 2015 Dear Pat and familyOur sincere sympathy to you at this time. Thoughts and prayers are being sent your way. God bless.
The Family of Dr Curtis Merrell
Monticello, AR Monday, January 12, 2015 Our deepest condolences on the loss of Mr. Tommy Matthews. If our dad were here today, he would share his memories of Mr. Matthews playing tennis and winning a lot of doubles matches together - we must have had 15 or 20 trophies up on our mantle at one point and about half of those were from their doubles matches. As a kid, going to school Monticello, especially in elementary school, we remember Mr. Matthews as a giant of a man - but gentle, kind and always helping someone - someone we looked up to - and when we got older, and we understood better what it took to be a man - he somehow became even more of a role model. We will miss you, Mr Tommy.Bishop Sam Wherry
Monticello, AR Monday, January 12, 2015 Tommy Matthews no doubt, Pound for Pound one of the Most Outstanding, Stellar, Man Of Honor and Integrity to Grace Monticello, Arkansas has passed from Mortality to Immortality. A Giant of a Man in Stature and Character, outstanding Academician as Public School Administrator For 33 years as Principal and one of the key entities that gives Monticello School District the Distinct Title, Flagship School District of Southeast Arkansas. Tommy's Death leaves him not into a Blind Alley in his Life, Legacy but an open Door That Leads Him Into Eternal Life for he was one Fine Christian Gentleman who Love God and the Principles, Statutes and Ordinances Thereof,Members of the Family The Death of Tommy Matthews from this mortal state to immortality is a great loss and it is necessary to acknowledge it not only to your self-but to others. The adjustment will be easier for all family members by feeling free in expressing your respective grief. In addition to your feelings of despair and loneliness; you have to lose control of your emotions. Painful as it is, it is part of the normal grieving process. However, there is also an intensifying of faith in Jesus Christ, which gives you sufficient inner strength to carry you through this difficult period.
Finally, with the passing of time, there will be a gradual severing of Tommy Matthew’s thoughts and emotional ties. As you emerge from this bereavement, you will discover that you are a stronger person than you were before his death; you all will have gained a deeper faith, along with increased sensitivity, and greater understanding and compassion for one another and for others.
Humbly Submitted
Dr. Sam Wherry PhD, MBA– Senior Bishop
Nation of Christ Christian Ministries Incorporated/Link with World Link of Churches and Ministries Incorporated
Jerry Jordan
Maumelle, AR Monday, January 12, 2015 Mr. Tommy was an inspiration to so many young people growing up in Monticello. His leadership and guidance played a great part in so many of our lives, he will be missed by many and all.Phil and Kathy Gladden
Hot Springs, AR Monday, January 12, 2015 Dear Pat, Bynum, Ann and family members. We are so very sorry for the loss of your dear Tommy. What a fine person he was to all and he will be sorely missed. We will certainly keep you in our thoughts and prayers as you grieve his loss.Jerry Marks
Little Rock, AR Monday, January 12, 2015 Pat, Bynum and family- I am so sorry for your loss. Tommy was a great man who was always so friendly and kind to everyone.Mary Alice Hughes
Jacksonville, AR Monday, January 12, 2015 Pat,I was saddened to read about Tommy in today's paper. He was always super nice to me. My thoughts and prayers are with your family and you.
Louise Funderburg
Monticello, AR Sunday, January 11, 2015 Tommy was always one of my favorite Monticellonians. He was missed sorely when he left Monticello/Susan Smith
Little Rock, AR Sunday, January 11, 2015 Pat, I am so sorry for your loss. Sweet Mr. Matthews! He was my math teacher at City Park Elementary. But, the best years were at WCWhaley where I was teaching second grade. He was our principal and was just wonderful and genuine. What a great man he was! I also remember all the games at UAM that he helped with all the basketball games. He will certainly be fondly remembered by many. Prayers for you and your family.Bill and Ginger Fudge
Sarasota, FL Sunday, January 11, 2015 Our thoughts and prayers are with the Matthews family. Tommy was respected throughout Monticello. He was a role model to his students, children and grandchildren. He will be missed.Butch and Judy Selig
Monticello, AR Sunday, January 11, 2015 We are so sorry for the loss of Mr. Matthews. He was a great example of what a gentleman should be, and he had a positive influence on the youth of Monticello for many, many years. We pray that your memories will bring you peace and comfort.Barbara GilliamHarris
Portland, AR Sunday, January 11, 2015 I have many fond memories of Mr. Tommy as he kept the clock at my games and at UAM's games. We had many good times. I also have many fond memories of his playing tennis with Greg and his teaching him some of the "ole" tricks of the trade -- I credit a lot of Greg's success on the courts to those sessions with Mr. Tommy. My prayers are with you as you place him in his final resting place. He was a very good friend.Barbara Gilliam-Harris
Steve A. Davis/ Doris Davis
, AR Sunday, January 11, 2015 Dear Family, just wanted to let you know we are thinking of you and praying for you. Have so many fond memories of Mr. Tommy and my dad and that Volkswagen.Gloria Schwab
Bentonville, AR Sunday, January 11, 2015 Mr. Matthews was one of my very favorite principals growing up. Always fair, gentle, and understanding. Later, my umpire, and a friend. Always the same gentle giant. He will be missed.Wishing you peace to bring comfort, courage to face the days ahead and loving memories to forever hold in your hearts.
Kay McClain Worbington
Monticello, AR Sunday, January 11, 2015 Dear Pat and family, Mr. Matthews was a much loved man in Monticello. He was my math teacher in junior high and my daughters' principal. In all the years I knew him, I never heard him raise his voice. He was a kind man. I feel fortunate to have know him.You will be in my prayers during this difficult time.
Lelia Davis
monticello, AR Sunday, January 11, 2015 Ms Pat and family, so sorry for your loss. Mr Tommy will be missed greatly. He was a fine man and I consider my self lucky for having the opportunity to have known him for several years. I have fond memories of you both and will always love you.Pat Scifres Montgomery
Monticello, AR Sunday, January 11, 2015 So sorry for the loss of Mr. Tommy. Thoughts and prayers are with you all.lindarowe funderburg
monticello, AR Saturday, January 10, 2015 my condolence to this family God blessYancy Box
Oklahoma City, OK Saturday, January 10, 2015 Mr. Matthews was my principle in elementary school. He was one of the nicest men I have ever met. A true example of what any parent would want their son to grow up to be like. He will be missed by all. My thought and prayer are with the family during this difficulty time.