THOMAS JACK “TOMMY” MATTHEWS,

89, of Little Rock, left this mortal life on Friday, June 9, 2023.

Tommy was born on March 1, 1934, in St. Joseph, Mo. He grew up in Columbia, Mo., but opted to attend the University of Kansas, where he was a member of the Phi Delta Theta fraternity and was privileged to play basketball under legendary coach Phog Allen. He served two years in the United States Marine Corps before finally graduating from the University of Missouri. Later in life, he received his master’s degree from Northeast Missouri State.

He is preceded in death by his parents, A.T. Jack Matthews and Kathryn Boyer Matthews. He is survived by his wife, Beth, of 60 years; children, Marcie Matthews of Tacoma, Wash., and Hope Lacey (John) of Little Rock. Grandchildren are David Lacey (Samantha), Kathryn Fuchs (Alec), and Elizabeth Lacey.

Tommy was fortunate to have two successful careers. He started his basketball coaching career in several small high schools in Missouri before landing in St. Louis, where he met Beth. After receiving his master’s degree, he moved from coaching high school ball to being an assistant coach at Northwest Missouri State, then Fergus Falls (Minnesota) Junior College, Black Hills (South Dakota) State University before he had the wonderful opportunity to coach the Freshman team at the University of Arkansas. In those days, freshmen were ineligible to play on the varsity basketball team, so in the 1970-71 season, Tommy took the Shoats to a 16-0 record. The following year they won 11 and lost 6, but still held their heads high. Needing a less intense arena, he finished his coaching career at Harrison High School, where he enjoyed winning seasons again. Respect was the key ingredient to his winning teams; he respected the boys and they respected him. Although often quite colorful on the court, in his almost-20 years of coaching, he could proudly say that he never had a losing season.

He left coaching to become a stockbroker with T. J. Raney and Sons, where, once again, his competitive spirit soared him to the top and he frequently was part of the Chairman’s Club in that organization.

The family extends its gratitude to the loving care given to “Coach” by the staff at Briarwood Nursing and Rehab Center.

A memorial service will be held sometime later this summer at Trinity Episcopal Cathedral. Arrangements are under the direction of RuebelFuneralHome.com.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to Trinity Cathedral, 310 W. 17th Street, Little Rock, Ark., 72206.