of Little Rock, AR
February 12, 1952 - August 4, 2005
Thomas "Tommy" Joseph Alawishes Mattingly, 53, of Little Rock, died Thursday, August 4, 2005 at Baptist Medical Center in Little Rock. He was born February 12, 1952, in Little Rock to Georgia Bruck and the late William Edgar Mattingly. He was a retired electronic technician for AT&T and Lucent Technologies. Tommy was a lifetime member of St. Theresa's Catholic Church. God was the foundation of Tommy's life, and he had a quiet gentle spirit. He enjoyed coaching soccer, basketball and softball, but most of all he enjoyed watching his children playing these sports. Additionally, he was an avid sportsman and loved hunting and fishing with his sons, brothers, family and friends. He was the center of the lives of his wife, children and grandchildren. He was also an adored uncle by many nieces and nephews.
He is survived by his wife of over 31 years, the former Donna Louise Bridges of Little Rock; a son, Thomas Jason Alawishes Mattingly, his wife, Sandy, of Little Rock and their children, Jordan, Caleb, Mychal and Kenzie; a son, Justin David Mattingly of St. Louis; a daughter, Sarah Brooke Mattingly of Little Rock; mother and step-father, Georgia Mattingly Long and James Long of Casa; three sisters, Cecilia Kidd of Benton, Carolyn Webster of Beech Grove, Dianna Yarbrough of Little Rock; three brothers, Don Mattingly of Vilonia, Ken Mattingly of Maumelle and Tony Mattingly of Searcy; and a step-brother, Raleigh Long of New Orleans, Louisiana.
The funeral mass will be at 10:00 A.M., Monday, August 8th at St. Theresa's Catholic Church with Reverend John Connell officiating. The family will receive friends from 5:00 to 7:00 P.M., Sunday with Rosary following at Roller-Drummond Funeral Home Southwest (501) 455-5800. Interment will be in Pinecrest Memorial Park.
Memorials may be made to Arkansas Regional Organ Recovery Agency (ARORA), 1100 North University, Suite 200, Little Rock, Arkansas 72207 or to St. Theresa's Catholic Church, 6219 Baseline Road, Little Rock, Arkansas 72209.
We love you, Tommy, and miss you so much. So many things remind me of so many things about you, with each passing day. I will ALWAYS love you and miss you.
As I have just met Donna and viewed the video, I wish to offer my continued prayers for her and the entire family that God's comfort, strength and guidance will bless them in the loss of this precious soul. God Bless Always!
I am sorry to hear of Tommy's passing, Iworked with him at AT&T in Little Rock, My thoughts and prayers are with Donna and teir children at this difficult time, may god be with you thru this time. Also with georgia and her husband. in simpathy, George Sears , parker Colorado.
The loss of Tommy is all our loss and he'll be deeply missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and the family as always. -Ron
Will continue to pray for you and your family that everyday God will give you the strength that you need. Thanks for sharing a part of memories with me.
Tommy was a very special man, loving and full of compassion. He always made me feel like his sister instead of his sister-in-law. He liked to tease me when I was first in the family and that way I know he loved me. I will miss seeing him when I come to LR to visit but I know he will be in my heart always. Love you too, Donna and you know you are special to me also. Love, your sis, Cheryl
Donna, Jason, Justin, and Sarah; My thoughts and prayers are with you. I will always remember Tommy's smile and warm disposition. He had a way of making everyone smile. He will be missed by many, but remembered in our hearts. Your family will continue to be in my prayers. love, Dayna
Tommy, you will always be remembered
I was fortunate enough to get to know Tommy at the Deer Woods. He always made me feel so welcome and went out of his way to make sure I was comfotable and having fun. I could tell from the first time I met Tommy he was a gentle soul that cared deeply about everything around him. I will miss seeing him at the woods. God bless.
Donna, Jason, Justin, and Sarah; My sincerest regards for the loss of a wonderful man, father, and friend. He IS a great inspiration to me and I hold all of the times we all spent together as cherishable memories. May God Bless you and your family during this time. Love, Keith Brannon
Donna Shirley and i were very sorry to hear of your recent loss. You have our deepest sympathy. We hope this poem by Amanda Brandly will help in some some way: Love Lives On "Those we love are never really lost to us.....we feel them in so many special ways; Through the friends they always cared about and dreams they left behind, in beauty that they added to our days, In words of wisdom we still carry with us and memories that will never be gone. Those we love are never really lost to us, for everywhere their special love lives on." May you find peace and comfort in the cherished memories of Tommy
Though we did not know Tommy, we have been touched by his life through Larry Tucker. We work with Larry Tucker who often asked us to pray for Tommy. Larry would give us updates on his illness, and tell us what a great guy Tommy was. It is apparent that Tommy left a deep impression on many peoples lives. We are very sorry for you loss, but we know you have been blessed by the life of such a good man.
Larry Tucker, a dear friend, asked that I keep Tommy and his family in my prayers. You have my deepest sympathy and continued prayers.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. What a wonderful man and a sweet family you all are. May God bless you all.
Donna and Family, I was so sorry to hear about Tommy. You have all been in my prayers and Donna, I wish I could be there. Lori
Our deepest sympathy to the Mattingly and Thomas families. Tracy, Ronnie, Shane & Joshua Graham
Donna,Sarah,Jason & Justin: Your husband and Dad was a fantastic person. Even through all his ups and downs he always had a glow about him and a smile on his face. I will greatly miss him and you will always be in thoughts and prayers and see you soon....... Love, Linda
Donna & Family, We were so sorry to hear about Tommy's death. We didn't really know Tommy, but we felt like we did from all the reports we received from Larry and Nancy. We have been praying for him for a long time and had him on our prayer chain at our church, Sacred Heart in Florissant. Larry gave us updates on him at least weekly. We were so excited to hear that he was receiving a new heart and were so sorry when we heard that things were not going well with it. We know Tommy is free from all his pain and suffering now and enjoying great bliss in Our Lord's presence. May God be with all your family and give you peace knowing that Tommy is at peace.
I already miss Tommy so much. I was very proud to have been able to call him my uncle. I'll never forget him, or how he always made a point to tease me whenever I was in AR, simply in an attempt to make me laugh (in which he ALWAYS succeeded!). I know he is looking down on us now, wearing that winning smile. He will always be in my heart and I consider myself very lucky to have been able to spend time with such a great and caring man, whose unconditional love never went unnoticed.
We are all very sorry about Tommy. We all knew and loved him and we want you to know that you are in our prays. Our greatest sympathy, The Snyder Family
Donna and Sarah, i was in the middle of my high school orientation when i got the news, i immediantly broke down in tears. i started to remember all of the memories i have with the team and all of the skillis coach taught me. As time grew i began to love soccer and mainly because of my coach. Since we have moved to florida we have never found or will find a greater coach or person with his ability to teach kids. he taught me more about life than soccer.... not to give up, play fair, play with your heart, eat healthy, and most of all keep your head high. coach tom meant so much to me. as i grow i realize how he impacted my life. i sttill to this day have my green shirt that the team gave to me when i moved to florida i look at it every day and njust remember how close we all were. i know nothing i say can make your time better but i want you to know that i love you and coach will alwayz be in my thoughts. Sarah you keep going in life.. he is lookinnd down upon you and watching your every step. we are all here for you and will help you move on as much as possible. donna... keep your head held high. i know you are just devistated but God dosnt give you things he dosnt KNOW you CANT handle. i love you so much and you are ALL in my prayers. Elizabeth Butler 904-722-9827 aka.... Lizzy
Donna, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. God Bless... Nneka
Donna and family, It is hard for us to say how much Tom meant to us. His dedication to “his girls” and the time he gave coaching them is priceless. When he was no longer coaching I enjoyed my time on the sidelines with Tom immensely. We talked of hunting, the one that got away, shouted encouragement to the girls together, cheered when we scored and were disappointed when scored against. I always found myself looking up and down the field hoping that Tom would show up so I could stand with him to watch our kids play and spend time talking with him. Sorry if I hogged him at times... I remember well the last game I watched with him. He was not feeling well enough to get out of the van but I stood next to the van and am sure wore paint off the door talking to him. I don’t think we will ever stop missing Tom. The impression he left on us all is quite permanent and I am proud to say I knew the man. I do know that he will always be with us in our hearts and minds when we head to the field. The memories of Tom will be even stronger and I look forward to those times surrounded by the other parents who all love and respect Tom. Again, we have so much to thank Tom for and these words are simply not adequate enough to tell you how much he meant to us. Our hearts ache for you. We share in your sorrow. Tom truly was a one in a million guy. Mike, Vickie, Ashley and Jonathon Henning
Donna, Sarah, & Family, We were so sorry to here about Tom's death. Tom mean't alot to us. As Kaylee's soccer coach he holds a place in her heart. Sincerely, The Flowers
I was so saddened and shocked by the news of Tommy's death. He was such a wonderful man and so helpful to all the students and teachers and St. Theresa's. I know he will be missed by all who knew him. God Bless you and comfort you in your time of grief. We grieve with you. Much love, Myla Strohbehn
Donna and Georgia, So sorry to hear of Tommy's death. I know he was a wonderful guy and he will be greatly missed. Sorry I couldn't attend the funeral. You are in my prayers. Mildred Barron
Tommy, we love you and miss you. You are in such a better place. I know you will still be watching over your family and smiling down on us always. We Love You!! Tina
"God is our refuge and strength..."And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus." Psalms 46:1, Phillipians 4:7
Donna, although I personally didn't know Tommy, I remember you sharing many wonderful stories about him with us in the call center. I hope you know that this news has saddened us deeply. May God's peace be with you and keep you during this time.
Donna, My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. I feel so privileged to have gotten to know Tommy in the last few years. He was indeed a sweet man with a wonderful gentle spirit. Please know how much I care.
"Death leaves a heartache no one can heal, love leaves a memory no one can steal." Please accept my heartfelt condolences during this sad and difficult time.
Tommy and your family has held a special place in my heart from our times together at Bryant Church of Christ. My deepest, heartfelt sorrow for your family, /Bethany
Donna and family, My deepest sympathy to you and your family. He was an incredible person and know he will be missed tremendously. He was so great with all the kids at St. Theresa's and always had a smile on his face. Your family will continue to be in my prayers. We know he is in a wonderful place and it must be awesome to be able to sit at the feet of Jesus. Vickie Shelby (grandmother of Katie Ramsey, Brittani, Bailey and Brooke Davis)
It was a blessing to meet Tommy & Donna during transplants while in Houston. What a joy to be able to spend special times with them. Tommy and my Jerry became true friends while sharing their experiences and I am sure they have found each other in Heaven.
Deepest Sympathy.
To Donna and Mattingly family, we all are sharing your lost at this time. Although, I was not there to share in your time of need, I do share your sorrow and Tommy will be missed by many. I will miss his winning smile. My family and I will continue to pray for you and your family. God bless you!
We are so sorry for your loss and that we can't be with you today. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Donna and Family, My prayers are with you today as you lay Tommy to rest. My mom, Linda Thompson, has kept me well informed over the past couple of months and I have been praying for him and your family. He is in a much better place now and has no more suffering, he is watching over us all and is smiling at his new found peace. I wish that I could be with the Mattingly family today, we always come together and lean on each other through these times of trial and tribulation. My heart and spirit are with you all today. Love Tracy and Family
May beautiful memories give you strength at this difficult time. My thought and prayers are with you and your family
My deepest sympathies to your family. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
You are in my prayers and thoughts. May God comfort you during this time.
Donna, You and your family will continue to be in my prayers. Cling to one another and look to Jesus to give you strength for the days ahead. There are no words to really help the sorrow you feel. No one knows how another feels or the pain they experience. But, maybe it will help to know others do care for you and will be praying for you. Hang onto the wonderful memories you and Tommy shared. Love, Evelyn
Ken, You and your family are in my prayers and thoughts today. I know this will be a difficult day for all. As we know, Tommy is at peace at last from this long struggle. You are all so blessed to have loved Tommy and to have such a loving, caring family. May God provide you strength today. Love Peggy
Few people pass through this world with the ability to touch lives like Tom. We'll never forget him. Tom - I'm proud to have known you and even more proud to have called you friend. God Bless the whole Mattingly family. Tim
Tommy was a wonderful man who did so much for so many people in a too brief lifetime. Tommy got a second chance at life with his first heart transplant and I believe that he made every effort to make everyday of that second chance special. We should all be so lucky and so wise to spend a second chance the way that Tommy did. HIs quiet ways in coaching and encouraging have touched so many childrens lives. So many of those children are now young men and young women who hopefully will remember the way that Tommy led them by example, and will do the same in their lifetimes, whether they ever get a second chance or not. You are all in our thoughts and prayers.
The Mattingly family will always hold a special place in my memories of our working days together. Donna, you and the kids cling to and support one another as Tommy would have you do in this time of sorrow. I am so sorry that Mary and I couldn't be there tonight.. Rest and take comfort in the knowledge that Tommy is now at home with his Savior. We love you, David & Mary. .
Tommy is with the angels now and looking out for all of his family and friends. I remember so well the Marriage Encounter that we shared with Tommy and Donna back in Little Rock and subsequent get togethers. He was a good friend and will be missed by all who knew him. Donna and both families have our prayers and deepest sympathy for their loss. Curt and Rita Beavers
Our deepest sorrow for your loss. Gordon, Brenda, Cristina and Amanda
Our thoughts and prayers are with you. James, Cheryl, and Monica Davidson
Donna, Sarah, and family: We have prayed, hoped, rejoiced, and cried with all of you this past year during Tommy's ailing health. Although we hoped that he would beat the odds and return to good health, we know that Tommy is now at peace in the care of his loving creator. We want you to know that it has been a priviledge to come to know Tommy over the past few years. We will think of him with great fondness and it surely will make us smile. We love you and will continue to pray for you.
Tommy will be greatly missed although knowing he is with our Lord is an awesome thought!! Sorry we couldn't make it, Evelyn Rose is keeping us busy...She came into this world the same day Tommy met Jesus. All our love and prayers, Rose, Lee & Evie
With our deepest sympathies for the loss of your loved one, our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Pete and Tracy
THERE WILL BE A BRIGHTER TOMORROW.LOOK FOR THE RAINBOW,AND CAST AWAY YOUR SORROW. SOMEWHERE JUST OVER THE HORIZON,YOUWILL FIND A BRIGHTER TOMORROW. SOMETIMES OUR JOY IS INCOMPLETE WHEN SADNESS COMES OUR WAY.KNOW WITH OUR SAVIOR AT OUR SIDE WE CAN HAVE A HAPPIER DAY.WE'LLALWAYS HAVE TRIBULATIONS AND MANY A CROSS WE WILL BEAR,BUT GOD WILL CARRY USTHROUGH THESE TIMES BECAUSE HE LOVES AND CARES. EVERY BATTLE THAT WE HAVE CONQUERED HELPS US IN LIFE TO SUCCEED. IF WE JUST LOOK FOR THE SUNSHINE,GOD WILL GRANT OUR EVERY NEED.
Please know we send our deepest sympathy
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. I worked with Tommy many years and felt his love of others shine each day. He was a man we will never forget. God bless all of you. Ronald & Lannette Lovett
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. He was a special man and father.
Tommy always carried himself like a grateful man. His quiet patience and courage and abiding love for his family and the greater family of man will be missed by all of us. Peace to all of you.
Donna and family Prayers are with you all and know that Tommy is now resting with his Father who has called him to be with Him. Keep your Faith and God Bless Donna Neal
Tommy was a good friend and a very brave person. May God bless your family at this time. Our prayers are with you.
May The Peace, Serenity, Joy, And Love Of God Be With You And Your Family In Your Time Of Loss (Rest In The Love Of God Tommy).
Donna and all the family my thoughts and prayers are with you all during this time. Tommy was such a wonderful friend to all that knew him. I know that the angels are singing, and Heaven is a lot brighter now. Love You all Iva
I am very sorry to hear about the passing of Tommy. I would like to offer the whole family my sincere sympathy and condolences at this time shrley
Tommy was loved by everyone he came in contact with. He had a gentle spirit and a kind smile for whomever he met. His life was centered around his family and their well being. He will be missed by all.
I'm going to miss you very much. You are in a much better place than us and I know you will always be with us in memory, spirit and in our hearts. Your niece Tami
My heart goes out to you and your wonderful family, Donna. Knowing both you and Tommy for so many years has been such a joy for me. May God bless you and be with you during this time and forever more.
Tommy was one of the sweetest persons I have ever met. He was always willing to take me to the doctor and bring me back home, and I never heard him complain about anything at all. Tommy was always so good to Homer and me, helping us so many times. He has been a wonderful son-in-law to me. I will always love and miss him.
Ken and family, My thoughts and prayers are with you during this time. May God comfort you.
Our prayers are with you and your family as you say "goodbye for now" to a loving brother , husband father & and friends We extend our heartfelt Sympathy and love CW and Pearl Adcock
Miss Donna, I am so sorry to hear of Tommy's passing and my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. When he was at Little Oaks ball park we enjoyed visiting with him so much. After we left the park we keep up with him through Pam Bridges. We have thought about you and your family for months and if there is anything we can do for you please don't hesitate to call us. Frances & Jeff Grimmett
Donna, Sarah and Family, While we are mourning the loss of Tommy, others are rejoicing to meet him. We will remember Tommy with love. Your family is in our prayers. Linsee now has an angel on her shoulder. With love, The Winders
Our sincere condolences go out to the Mattingly family. Tommy will be missed by so many people whose lives he touched in so many ways. Tommy was a wonderful friend, great coach, excellent father/husband and a pleasure to have known. He was a wonderful role model and he made a difference in many families lives. THANK YOU TOMMY!!! Please know if there is anything we can do during this difficult time do not hesitate to call on us.