Wright "Woody" Matthews

WRIGHT WOODARD "WOODY" MATTHEWS Wright Woodard Matthews of Columbus, MS passed away on August 11, 2022. Woody was born on September 21, 1945, in Imboden, Arkansas to the late Benjamin Marshall and Opal Faye Matthews. He was a proud graduate of Jonesboro High School (Class of 1963) and Arkansas State University where he was a charter member of the Delta Eta Chapter of the Kappa Alpha Order. As a member of the United States Air Force, he served his country as a fighter pilot for 14 years in what is still the record holding fastest single engine airplane, the F-106 Delta Dart. He continued his career at the Columbus Air Force Base in Columbus, Mississippi where he was a T-37 instructor pilot for 8 years. He remained at CAFB for the duration of his long career, training pilots on the ground for another 23 years until his retirement in 2016. He retired with the rank of Major and 22 years of active service. However, his biggest source of pride was his beloved family. He was married to Junie Walker Matthews for 52 years and was the proud father of Deena, Andrew, and Libby. After his retirement, you could often find him at the ball fields watching one of his grandchildren play sports or on his back porch listening to The University of Arkansas’s football or baseball games. He had an inquisitive mind and never lost his desire to learn. Woody uniquely appreciated the simple things in life. He served his country honorably and he loved his family deeply. His life was an excellent example of a life well lived. He was preceded in death by his parents and son in law, Scott McIntyre. Woody is survived by his wife, Junie Matthews; children, Deena McIntyre, Andrew Matthews (Ashley), and Libby Robertson (Tad); grandchildren, Aven Matthews, Jack Griffin Matthews and Walker Robertson, all of Columbus, MS. In addition, he is survived by his brother Frank Matthews (JoAnn) of McAlpin, Florida and Sue Moore (Joe) of Georgetown, Texas, as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Graveside services will be held at the Hope Cemetery in Imboden, Arkansas on August 15, 2022, at 11:00 a.m. Memorial Gunter Peel Funeral Home and Crematory, in Columbus, MS, will be in charge of arrangements.