William B. "Matt" Matthews III

Fuqua-Bankston Funeral Home

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Posted by: Fuqua-Bankston
www.fuquabankston.com
334-774-4551
Date: Jun 20 2014 9:19 AM

William B. “Matt” Matthews, III, age 30, passed away suddenly on Wednesday, June 18, 2014 in Denver, Colorado. William, known to many as Matt, was a loving brother and son, and a tremendous friend to the many people whose lives he touched.

Matt grew up in Ozark, and graduated with honors from Carroll High School in 2002. He was a football player, a student government representative, and starred in school musicals. His friends were as numerous and as varied as his interests.

Like many family members before him, Matt attended The University of Alabama and became a member of Sigma Nu fraternity. He graduated with a degree in one of his greatest passions: history, but his other great passion in life was football. He combined these two loves and spent several years coaching successful football teams, cultivating young talent, and teaching high school history. He was devoted to working with kids and shaping their futures. Matt was an avid sportswriter and loved contributing to his favorite sports radio shows. He served as an announcer at local football and baseball games in his free time. Known far and wide for his contagious personality and good looks, Matt was a kind and religious man, too.

Matt passed away after a long struggle with addiction, but not before he worked tirelessly to help others in similar situations. He was a chaplain and counseled people about addiction while spreading God’s word. In this, too, Matt was passionate. 

Matt is survived by his proud parents, Attorney William B. “Will” Matthews, Jr. of Dothan and Thecla Coppolo Matthews of Ozark. He leaves behind his three siblings and his brother-in-law, Thecla “Teckie” Werner Matthews Hinkebein and her husband, Andrew Hinkebein, of Gulfport, Mississippi, David Warren Matthews of Dothan, and Sara Elizabeth Carroll Matthews of Ozark. He was preceded in death by his four wonderful grandparents, Judge William B. “Buddy” Matthews, Sr. and Florence Carroll Matthews of Ozark, and Attorney Alvin B. Coppolo and Thecla Werner Coppolo of St. Marys, Pennsylvania. He is survived by a large and very loving extended family.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Matt’s name to the Carroll High School Athletic Department or the Communion Fund at First United Methodist Church of Ozark.

Visitation is on Saturday, June 21 from 9:00-10:45 a.m. in the Family Life Center at the First United Methodist Church in Ozark. A memorial service will immediately follow, at 11 a.m. in the First United Methodist Church sanctuary with Rev. Dr. Billy Gaither and Rev. John D. Reese officiating.

Fuqua-Bankston Funeral Home in Ozark (334) 774-4551 is in charge of the arrangements. Members of the Dignity Memorial network. Condolences may be offered at www.fuquabankston.com.

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