Editor's Note -- Ed Barron of Class '51 wrote the following piece about the LRHS Tiger Group that shows up for years at Andy's every Wednesday at 7:00 AM. Coach Wilson Matthews used to attend some of those meetings before he died. The story goes something like this...
I'm not sure if the Andy's breakfast group has been referred to on this site. We are not sure how this began, but for years Wilsons Tigers alum circa 47-56, plus others, have met at Andys' on West Markham at 7:00 AM every Wednesday; and, of late, expanding this to daily. Henry Moore is the King of the court -- the man know everyone. Charlie Case is the unofficial secretary, keeping a running updated list. John Nash furnishes the booze given to each guy on their birthday. Don Castlebery is the chief recruiter and resident musician. Billy Moore keeps Jim Hornybrook in check (full time job). Oley Rooker and Kermit Tracy are chief storytellers; and, Wily Hastings is resident travel agent. Bill Wilson of Rasputin Mule Farm holds pre-court, keeps us in eggs, and offers words of wisdom. Other than Bill, you can't believe a word any of the rest of us utter. All together there are approximately 40 or so guys in and out each Wednesday.... Sports Illustrated sent a reporter to interview different guys, but I haven't seen the article if it's been published. There truly is a story here; friends meeting friends for so many years, and staying this close so far out from high school. The notoriety of the group is fairly widespread with guys dropping in from Houston to London, and points in between when in town. Most of us set our weekly calendars around Wednesday, looking forward to more insults, stories, companionshop, and general BS. We have an annual Christmas party, and summer Tiger get-together. Wilson used to attend the Tiger meets at War Memorial Stadium; but, Wilson left to see the Big Coach in the sky. Almost all of us attended his funeral. Sadly, we attended another funeral yesterday for Marshall Purvis. Ray, if you would like a list of all the regulars at Andy's I'll post for you. I'm not aware of any other high school group staying close for a lifetime. What's my contribution to the group? I bring Viagra samples from my office. Many of us, after breakfast would later go to Reservoir park for Marshall Purvis noon picnics. Our plans are to continue the picnics in his honor.
Henry Moore is the King of the court -- the man know everyone. Charlie Case is the unofficial secretary, keeping a running updated list. John Nash furnishes the booze given to each guy on their birthday. Don Castlebery is the chief recruiter and resident musician. Billy Moore keeps Jim Hornybrook in check (full time job). Oley Rooker and Kermit Tracy are chief storytellers; and, Wily Hastings is resident travel agent. Bill Wilson of Rasputin Mule Farm holds pre-court, keeps us in eggs, and offers words of wisdom. Other than Bill, you can't believe a word any of the rest of us utter. All together there are approximately 40 or so guys in and out each Wednesday....
Sports Illustrated sent a reporter to interview different guys, but I haven't seen the article if it's been published. There truly is a story here; friends meeting friends for so many years, and staying this close so far out from high school. The notoriety of the group is fairly widespread with guys dropping in from Houston to London, and points in between when in town. Most of us set our weekly calendars around Wednesday, looking forward to more insults, stories, companionshop, and general BS.
We have an annual Christmas party, and summer Tiger get-together. Wilson used to attend the Tiger meets at War Memorial Stadium; but, Wilson left to see the Big Coach in the sky. Almost all of us attended his funeral. Sadly, we attended another funeral yesterday for Marshall Purvis.
Ray, if you would like a list of all the regulars at Andy's I'll post for you. I'm not aware of any other high school group staying close for a lifetime. What's my contribution to the group? I bring Viagra samples from my office. Many of us, after breakfast would later go to Reservoir park for Marshall Purvis noon picnics. Our plans are to continue the picnics in his honor.
EDITOR'S NOTE -- Folks, Betty Brooks Yarbrough wrote the following. As soon as I get approval to use Jim Bailey's article from Class '53 or somebody at the Arkansas Gazette-Democrat will use it below. Or, if someone sends a LINK to article as described by Barry Arthur in paper's new policy. Don't want to retype it from tearsheet or have time!!! Bettye May Butler scanned & sent article via an attachment, saying Betty had called her! Then, a day or two later, got via snail-mail from BBY! Apparently, she already had mailed it!
The Wilson Tigers held their Summer get-to-gather at the Memorial Stadium, Saturday, August 2, 2003. Kermit Tracy, 1948 Graduate of Little Rock Senior High, Conducted the presentation. The 1953 LRHS Football team Coached by Willson Mathews was Honored. Also, Honored was James "Jim" Bailey. Bailey received a Plaque from Oley Rooker, LRHS 1950. The Plaque stated "James "Jim" Bailey Honorary member of the Wilson Matthew Tigers'". James Bailey always attends the Summer Meetings and was considered a member of the Wilson Tigers by Coach Wilson. In writing the article Jim was to modest to mention this Honor he was given. To Top
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Today, I had lunch with Eleanor Krueger, whose son in law is Bruce Matthews.... And, she told us that we'd need to get to the church 3 hrs early to get a seat. Jerry Jones was bringing all the food...and I'll bet he'll speak. There are so many lives Wilson's touched...he'll never know. My brother, Charlie Dougan, called and told me that Wilson was like a Daddy to him. Of course, we had a great Daddy, but Wilson was just a Unique unifier....and made everyone feel intensely important. God is so good to have let us know such a man as Wilson Matthews. We lived 2 doors down from him on Vandeventer in Fayetteville, and our little boy, Burt, was always going to go spend the night with Daddy Matthews, but always wanted to come home when it was bed-time. Wilson and Martha still had a change of Burt's clothes..he's now 39..from age 3. The last time I got to talk to Martha before she died...We love the Matthews..Bruce and Scott..and Martha and Wilson..David had grown up when our children were little..so we didn't know him...I know he's a great guy, too... Great tributes to Wilson Matthews, Ray. Thanks so much... Anne Dougan Hanna ***** Thanks for the up date on Coach Matthews. He was truly amazing and a highly respected man. We were all fortunate to have known him. Ann Carpenter ('51) He knew me, too-I had him for study hall and he was always telling me to stop talking! ***** FROM cedbradfort@aol.com He died in Washington Regional Medical Center, in Fayetteville at 1204 AM on May 13, 2002. We have lost a great friend whom for some strange reason seemed larger than death. He fought a great fight right to the end. ***** Hello Ray, -- Thanks for all of the information on Coach Matthews. I can't believe that he was only about 26 when he became head coach of the Tigers. I have always heard that he was simply a brilliant man who loved football and was a student of it, but never played organized football. If this is true he must have been a wizard. Incidentally, I have a link in my favorites to the Arkansas Gazette-Democrat, but now can't get any detailed stories unless I pay them for an online subscription. What a cheap bunch!. Regards, Dave
*****
Thanks for the up date on Coach Matthews. He was truly amazing and a highly respected man. We were all fortunate to have known him. Ann Carpenter ('51) He knew me, too-I had him for study hall and he was always telling me to stop talking!
FROM cedbradfort@aol.com He died in Washington Regional Medical Center, in Fayetteville at 1204 AM on May 13, 2002. We have lost a great friend whom for some strange reason seemed larger than death. He fought a great fight right to the end.
Hello Ray, -- Thanks for all of the information on Coach Matthews. I can't believe that he was only about 26 when he became head coach of the Tigers. I have always heard that he was simply a brilliant man who loved football and was a student of it, but never played organized football. If this is true he must have been a wizard. Incidentally, I have a link in my favorites to the Arkansas Gazette-Democrat, but now can't get any detailed stories unless I pay them for an online subscription. What a cheap bunch!. Regards, Dave
EDITOR'S NOTE: Ethel Belle Griffin (Curry) '52 wrote today at 8:53AM (5/13/02), Dr. Bill Wright '48 at 11:23AM today (5/13/02)and a couple hours later from Clyde and Mary Jo Horton at 1p...Then, James Reynolds '52 wrote at 738pm after seeing 6PM on KTHV Chanel 11 Sports Newscast. All of the comments are below! Just received a call that Coach Matthews died last night. Do not have arrangements made as of yet. Suppose the burial will be in Atkins as that is where Martha is buried. Let you know anything furthur as soon as I hear. He made a great impact on so many lives including my Wayland's. **** Hello Kermit and Ray: Skip Churchwell, Class-of 1948, now living in the Fayetteville, Arkansas area called me just now to inform that Coach Matthews passed away last evening. As you both know, he had recent heart surgery. Skip seemed to be under the impression that Coach developed pneumonia---I cannot confirm that! Kermit, Skip called you before me and left message on your recorder. Sorry to have to relay this information on our GREAT FRIEND and MENTOR. I am sure that others in the local Arkansas area will be able to provide additional information in the coming days. I am very saddened---as I know you are! Bill ***** Ray: I was watching KTHV Channel 11 LR just now, May 13, 2002, 6 PM News and the sports announcer reported that, 80 year old former coach at LRSH, Wilson Matthews had died. I will try to report more info later as it becomes available. Sincerely James Reynolds To Top
Just received a call that Coach Matthews died last night. Do not have arrangements made as of yet. Suppose the burial will be in Atkins as that is where Martha is buried. Let you know anything furthur as soon as I hear. He made a great impact on so many lives including my Wayland's.
****
Hello Kermit and Ray:
Skip Churchwell, Class-of 1948, now living in the Fayetteville, Arkansas area called me just now to inform that Coach Matthews passed away last evening. As you both know, he had recent heart surgery. Skip seemed to be under the impression that Coach developed pneumonia---I cannot confirm that!
Kermit, Skip called you before me and left message on your recorder.
Sorry to have to relay this information on our GREAT FRIEND and MENTOR. I am sure that others in the local Arkansas area will be able to provide additional information in the coming days.
I am very saddened---as I know you are!
Bill
Ray:
I was watching KTHV Channel 11 LR just now, May 13, 2002, 6 PM News and the sports announcer reported that, 80 year old former coach at LRSH, Wilson Matthews had died. I will try to report more info later as it becomes available.
Sincerely
James Reynolds
EDITOR'S NOTE -- The Arkansas Democrat-Gazette apparentally has a new RULE with respect with displaying its stories or pictures on another Web site!
Assistant Sports Editor Wally Hall first approved using the tearsheet with pictures Kermit Tracy '48 sent to Dr. Bill Wright '48 IF Arkansas Democrat-Gazette got its usual credit, but Photo Editor/Archive Manager Barry Arthur said paper's policy was stories & graphics COULDN'T be used on any other Web site other than its own http://ardemgaz.com. . .
If you subscribe to the paper, there is NO charge for its ONLINE service. But, if you don't, then all must pay $5.00 monthly. So, it will be up to folks subscribing to forward the LINKS so everyone taking the online service can see the items. You will note the paper's stories have been removed.
In writing his apologies & agreeing with Barry, Hall said an article by Jim Bailey about Matthews' Tigers was being carried that day on the Sports page, but I couldn't access the story NOT being a member of the ONLINE service.
Thanks to Barry Arthur barthur@ardemgaz.com, here is the link of "Coach Matthews' Tigers celebrate championships" Click here!
Thought you would like to know Coach George Haynie died in Bedford, Texas this week. He had Parkinson's Disease and had not been able to speak or eat for some time. Know we all remember him as a really nice, clean cut looking man----and know alot of you guys either played basketball or were in classes where he was the coach. He was 86 years old.
The 1952 Class trip has been delayed until 2004. Too many conflicts for the people that are wanting to go----so it was a concensus of opinion it would be better to delay a year.
Be sure and let me know any news I need to know ASAP, because I plan to send out our yearly Newsletter in the last part of March.
Love to all on St. Vallentine's Day XXXXXXXXOOOOOOOO
EDITOR'S NOTE -- The OBIT link of Coach George Haynie e-mailed today (2/19/03) by Snooky Hamilton '48 legacy.com/LegacySubPage2.asp
Ray,
Charlie Gray coached with Wilson Matthew's at LRHS a few years. Not as many will remember him as they do Wilson but he was a good guy. He rarely if ever missed the Wilson Tiger Reunions. I have scanned the obit and will attach. Use what you wish if anything!
Best,
Bill Floyd