David Lawrence Matthews

David Lawrence Matthews, died peacefully of pancreatic cancer on Thursday, July 10, 2025, in Little Rock, Arkansas. He was 62 years old.

David, who enjoyed robust health nearly all of his life, began cancer treatment in early October while continuing to enjoy quality time with his family and friends.

He was born on December 19, 1962, in Little Rock, Arkansas, to Justin Matthews III and Elizabeth (“Betty”) Cochran Matthews. David earned a Bachelor of Arts in professional and technical writing from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock and a Master of Science in technical communication from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in Troy, New York.

In recent years, David was a Senior Technical Writer at Gainwell Technologies and gave back to his community through service work.

His greatest love was that for his two children, Elizabeth and Connor. David was a devoted friend and husband to the love of his life, Christy. He had a great passion for travel, adventure, and astronomy. His appreciation for great food, his gift for cooking, and his love of music all added to his charm and bigger-than-life personality. Also known as “Happnin Dave,” you could find him cheering for the Orioles and Razorbacks on game days. He will be remembered by his many friends and co-workers as having a kind and gentle soul, an exceptional sense of humor, and a contagious smile.

David is survived by his wife, Christy Treat Matthews; his daughter and son, Elizabeth and Connor Matthews of California; his sister, Alice (“Lisa”) Matthews of New York; two brothers, Hal (Vicki) Matthews of North Little Rock and Joseph (“Jed”) Matthews of Little Rock; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his father, Justin Matthews, III, his mother, Elizabeth (“Betty”) Cochran Matthews, and his brother Justin Somers Matthews.

A private Celebration of Life for David’s friends and family will be held on September 6, 2025.

Remembrance can be made through donations to Out of the Woods Animal Rescue or CARTI.