Matthew "Mattie" Todd White

Matthew “Mattie” Todd White departed too early from this life at the age of 51, on August 21, 2025. He was born in West Memphis, Arkansas, on March 8, 1974, to Margaret “Sue” Moody White and James “Jim” Clyde White.

In his younger days, he enjoyed playing baseball, playing camo, and later on tagging, and going to and hosting raves. He was always the life of the party! He was also a graduate of Bryant High School Class of 1992.

Matthew “Mattie” had a passion for skateboarding that matched the way he lived his life—fearless, creative, and always ready to push past limits. Whether he was on his board or just hanging out with friends, he brought energy and joy to everyone around him. He leaves behind not just memories, but the inspiration to live boldly and keep rolling forward, just like he always did.

Matthew “Mattie” was a true outdoorsman who found peace and joy in nature. He loved photography, hunting, fishing, kayaking, bike riding, and off-roading, always seeking new ways to immerse in the wilderness he cherished. His passion for the outdoors was matched only by his deep love for animals. He delighted in their presence, spending time each day creating a safe haven in his backyard, scattering food for the local squirrels and birds. He would sit for hours, quietly observing them as they came within inches of him, a testament to the gentle connection he shared with nature.

He was very proud of his heritage and was fortunate to have learned many important life skills from his family elders growing up, fostering a skill set early in life that paid off in his later career.

In 2005, he joined and served almost 15 years in the Navy. He began training at the Center for Seabees and Facilities Engineering at Sheppard AFB, Wichita Falls, Tx. “We Build, We Fight“, is the “Fearless” Seabee motto.

Utilitiesman Second Class Matthew White (SCW/EXW), a true patriot and selfless servant, proudly and honorably served our country at home and abroad. His career was marked by distinction, courage, and a deep commitment to humanitarian efforts and the safety of his fellow service members. UT2 White retired from the Navy October 2020.

Matthew was a kindhearted son, dad, brother, uncle, and nephew. He would have given you the shirt off his back, or his boots, even. He loved to talk and keep in touch with friends and family. He spoke fondly of those with whom he made lifelong friendships, his comrades, his elders, his friends, his family. He put others before himself, and we remain blessed to have shared in his journey in this life.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Sue and Louie Lakey, Jim White. Grandparents John Moody, Jr. and Ruby Faye McNeill Moody, and Carl Ray White and Mabel Arline Wahlquist White.

He is survived by his daughter, Willow “Boots” Sophia White of Viola, Arkansas, for whom he loved with all his heart and soul; two sisters, Jayme Sue White of Mabelvale, Arkansas and Judi Michelle White Graham of Hollister, Missouri; three stepbrothers, James “Jimmy“ Lakey, Kevin Lakey, Danny Lakey; step-mother, Cindy White Olafsson; nine nieces/nephews, Shannon Roswell (Martin), Brandi Thornberry (Todd), Darren White (Megan), Shelbi Wiltz, Megan Elizabeth Graham, Shelli Graham, Sean Lakey (Kayla), Chelsea Lakey, Justin Lakey; thirteen great nieces/nephews, Matthew Tabory, Seth Roswell, Alexis Roswell, Wyatt Echols, Grace Echols, Brantley Thornberry, Kaylee White, Melanie White, Addison White, Audree White, Harper Wiltz, Joshua James Graham and Zella Elizabeth Graham, Lenni Lakey, Wilder Lakey, Haven Lakey; as well as his aunts, uncles, cousins, friends and comrades who loved him dearly.

A memorial gathering for Matthew "Mattie" will be held Saturday, September 13, 2025, from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM, with a celebration of life immediately following at 12:00 PM at Pinecrest Funeral Home & Memorial Park (7401 Highway 5 N, Alexander, Arkansas 72002). A graveside service with honors will occur Sunday, September 14, 2025, at 1:00 PM at Spring Creek Cemetery (Calico Rock, AR).

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Spring Creek Cemetery, First National Bank of Izard County, Spring Creek Cemetery, PO Box 690, Calico Rock, Arkansas, 72519.