of Little Rock, AR
October 15, 1975 - August 25, 2025
On a day that came too soon for us all, the world lost an extraordinary soul in Matthew Clay Pulley, who passed away unexpectedly from a cardiac event at the age of 49. Born in Houston and raised in Grapevine, Texas, Matt was known for his unwavering faith, compassionate heart and infectious zest for life.
Matt touched countless lives with his deep spirituality and commitment to living a Christ-like life. His love for the Lord was so profound that he earned an undergraduate degree from Baylor University and a Master's degree in Theology.
Family was at the heart of Matt's world. He leaves behind his cherished wife, Elizabeth, who was his partner in every sense of the word. Together, they nurtured a loving home and raised two wonderful children, Maddy Kate and Tyler, who were the light of their father's life and his proudest accomplishments.
Matt was also a beloved son to Kenneth and Patricia Pulley, whose guidance shaped the man he became. His brother, Steve (Jenni), was not just a sibling but a friend and confidant. The Pulley family shared countless adventures and memories filled with love for the Lord and unwavering support for one another.
Matt also cherished his relationship with his father and mother-in-law, Dan and Sarah Yoakum and his brother and sister-in-law, Drew (Robin). They shared an abundance of memories and family vacations.
A man of many talents and interests, Matt had a passion for ensuring every child had a chance and inspired many in his role as Assistant Head of Enrollment at Pulaski Academy over the last 17 years. This passion significantly contributed to Pulaski Academy having the highest enrollment in the schools history this past year. The students, families and colleagues remember him for his enthusiasm, generous spirit and the way he fought for those who others may have written off. Additionally, Matt's love of music, especially his passion for U2, was evident as he attended multiple concerts over the years.
Though his time with us was tragically cut short, Matt's legacy will continue to resonate through the lives he touched. His faith was a beacon of hope and strength, guiding those around him through difficult times and inspiring them to live with purpose and integrity.
A celebration of Matt's life will be held at the Connor Performing Arts Center on the Pulaski Academy Campus on Monday, September 1st. There will be a drop-in visitation at 1:00 pm with the service starting promptly at 2:00 pm, where family and friends will gather to honor the remarkable man we were privileged to know and love. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-the-pulley-family-in-memory-of-matt.
Matthew Clay Pulley's memory will be cherished eternally and his spirit will live on in the hearts of all who knew him. May he rest in peace, enveloped in the everlasting love of his Heavenly Father. Sic'em Bears and Go Bruins!
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49 Condolence(s)
Chris Ruzic
Wednesday, September 3, 2025
Matt was always such a loving and caring guy. Even at a young age when we best knew each other he was always such a solid character and human. Godspeed. My thoughts are with him and his family and friends. May he rest in peace
Tim Tennant
Tuesday, September 2, 2025
Elizabeth, our thought and prayers are with you and the kids. Matt enriched the lives of all those who were lucky enough to know him, and his faith was a great example to everyone he encountered.
Michelle Ward
Monday, September 1, 2025
Prayers of peace for your family. Matt was a wonderful man and colleague.
Jeff Patty
Monday, September 1, 2025
Elizabeth, I am so sorry for your loss. My heart grieves for you and your family. You are in our prayers.
Denise Edwards
Sunday, August 31, 2025
Elizabeth,
I am truly sorry and sending all my love and prayers and Baylor bear hugs to you and your family right now!
Susan Hutchinson
Saturday, August 30, 2025
Prayers for you and your family. May GOD bless you with HiS perfect peace and consolation.
Evelyn Love
Saturday, August 30, 2025
The Love family is heartbroken for your loss of Matt! He was such a great friend of our family and will truly be missed! May God wrap his arms around you and your family and give you peace and comfort!
Shana Wilson
Saturday, August 30, 2025
Elizabeth and family,
My heart aches with this news. I remember the first time I met you both at The Journey Church and was immediately drawn to the life in Matt and his joy in the Lord. We love you guys and you are heavy in our hearts. Praying that the Lord will carry you and your children as you grieve.
Robin Yoakum
Saturday, August 30, 2025
Our memories of Matt and the hysterical jokes and fun-loving ways will be forever in our hearts as we walk through this with Elizabeth, Maddy Kate and Tyler. Matt's dedication to his family and other life passions such as his amazing talents of woodworking and his musical abilities will not be forgotten. I have no doubt that he is rejoicing in Heaven with the Lord!
We love you all deeply.
Alan and Susan Arroyo
Saturday, August 30, 2025
Elizabeth and family- Our deepest condolences and prayers for strength and peace.
Connie Holmes
Friday, August 29, 2025
Elizabeth, I am praying for you, Maddy Kate, and Tyler. I know you are so much stronger than you feel right now. Jesus will see you through and your joy will return. I love you and the woman you have become.
Barbara Yates Freeman
Friday, August 29, 2025
My heart breaks for all of you. I did not have the opportunity to know Matt and I obviously missed out on knowing a special person. Elizabeth, may Jesus wrap you in his loving arms today and always. Take comfort in knowing you will all be together again for eternity. Hugs!
Michael Glenn
Friday, August 29, 2025
Keeping your family in our thoughts and prayers during this unimaginable time. God bless.
Anthony, Towana, and Madison Sanders
Thursday, August 28, 2025
The Sanders family are heartbroken for your loss. We will keep the Pulley Family in our thoughts and prayers. May God comfort you in this difficult time. 🙏🏽
Diana Concepcion
Thursday, August 28, 2025
Rest in peace, Matt. You were a wonderful soul, I send condolences to your family and friends🕊️
Beth Carter Martin
Thursday, August 28, 2025
Elizabeth & kids:
You are on my mind and in my prayers, as I plead with God to wrap his arms around you and give your unexplainable peace in this storm. Love to you.
Kelle Stahl
Thursday, August 28, 2025
Dearest Elizabeth, my heart goes out to you and Maddy Kate and Tyler. With most sincere Prayers for peace and comfort covering your entire family.
Stanley Black
Thursday, August 28, 2025
Matt was my classmate, neighbor, and friend when we were students at Regent University. I remember how he locked arms with me and how we encouraged each in our journey/pursuit to be stronger men of God while studying Wild At Heart (book) together. Grateful to know this brother of mine and dear Elizabeth. Elizabeth, I'm praying for you, Maddy K, and Tyler…that you all would know the Comfort of our great Comforter at this difficult time. 🙏♥️
Heinz Braun and Patricia Scott
Thursday, August 28, 2025
Our families deepest condolences go out to the Pulley family. Matt was truly a light to many people. I cannot begin to describe the joy and excitement that our grandson felt when Matt delivered his Bruin sign and welcome packet for him to attend PA. While his family mourns the loss of a partner, father , son, and son-in- law. The PA staff and family mourn a truly wonderful person. May peace be with you all. Keep the good times close to your hearts and memories.
Dewain and Charlotte Tennant
Thursday, August 28, 2025
Elizabeth
Since our time with you and Matt in our living room prior to your marriage you guys have been like family.
We grieve for your loss
In His name
Charlotte and Dewain
Tami Walker
Thursday, August 28, 2025
Elizabeth, I am so sorry! I am praying for you and your children as you navigate this unspeakable loss.
Lita Orner
Thursday, August 28, 2025
Dear Elizabeth, the news of your husband's sudden passing was very saddening. Please accept heartfelt condolences to you and your family during this difficult time. Wishing you comfort and peace in the days ahead.
Eric Wargo
Thursday, August 28, 2025
I worked with Matt years ago at Touch Family and he was the one who introduced me to the Antioch movement, taught me how to travail in prayer, and was the first state-side missionary I met when he moved to Houston from Waco to plant a church at Rice University. I cried over the loss of him today. Elizabeth, I prayed for you to be held by Jesus. Matt has left an indelible mark on me.
Becky Brooks
Thursday, August 28, 2025
So sorry for your loss praying for your family.
Becky Brooks
Thursday, August 28, 2025
So sorry for your loss praying for your family.
Sybil and Norvell Holveck
Thursday, August 28, 2025
Saddened beyond words at this tragedy. We are Uncle Russ and Aunt Sue's sister and brother in law, and have all of you in our hearts and in our heartfelt prayers. Grace and peace.
Cindy Vallely
Thursday, August 28, 2025
Elizabeth I am so sorry for your loss. My heart goes out to you and your children during this difficult time. You are in my thoughts and prayers
Carrie Little
Thursday, August 28, 2025
Elizabeth, my heart is breaking for your and your kids. Please know that the best thoughts I have are coming to you from Oklahoma. I will hold you in a deep place of peace, knowing that you and Matt built a beautiful life together and that legacy will live on. May his memory be a blessing.
Bryan Gilmore
Thursday, August 28, 2025
Dear Pulley Family,
I opened my computer today & saw that Matt went to see our Heavenly Father way too soon on our time table. I am so sorry for the loss on this side of glory. Matt & I were in the same youth group back in Grapevine TX. He was always nice & we had some great memories of those day at FBC Grapevine. Please know I am praying for you all.
Gilmore
Jane Willis
Thursday, August 28, 2025
Elizabeth, I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your husband Matt. I will be praying for your family Gods peace that passes all understanding. Thinking of you and yours today.
Stanley Black
Thursday, August 28, 2025
Matt was my classmate, neighbor, and friend when we were students at Regent University. I remember how he locked arms with me and how we encouraged each in our journey/pursuit to be stronger men of God while studying Wild At Heart (book) together. Grateful to know this brother of mine and dear Elizabeth. Elizabeth, I'm praying for you, Maddy K, and Tyler…that you all would know the Comfort of our great Comforter at this difficult time. 🙏♥️
Shana Chaplin
Thursday, August 28, 2025
Elizabeth, I cannot imagine the pain and sorrow. Please know I am praying for you as you walk through the grief. I pray you allow yourself the time and opportunity to do so as needed, and remember each step along the way your God is with you, and will see you through the darkest of days to the joyful days. With love and prayers. Shana
Elizabeth McKinley
Thursday, August 28, 2025
Elizabeth - my deepest sympathy and prayers of comfort for you and your children. May you find peace in the love and life you shared with your husband.
James Steen
Thursday, August 28, 2025
Elizabeth - I am so sorry for your lose; Matt was such an amazing husband/father. We are praying for you and precious children.
Patricia Gonzalez Revilla Serrano
Thursday, August 28, 2025
Dearest Elizabeth,
You are in my prayers and heart...
Big hug
Patricia
Michelle and Mark Mann
Thursday, August 28, 2025
Elizabeth, we are heart broken over your loss and pray for peace and strength for you and yours at this very difficult time.
Haley Allen
Wednesday, August 27, 2025
It breaks my heart for my friend to lose her life-mate and those precious kiddos to lose their daddy!! Sending love and prayers to all who knew and loved him. He was a great friend.
Sarahjane Lay
Wednesday, August 27, 2025
''But those who die in the Lord will live; their bodies will rise again! Those who sleep in the earth will rise up and sing for joy! For your life-giving light will fall like dew on your people in the place of the dead!''
Isaiah 26:19 NLT
Julie Dickerson
Wednesday, August 27, 2025
I am so very sorry. My thought and prayers are with you.
Josh Pritchard
Wednesday, August 27, 2025
My thoughts and prayers go out to the entire Pulley family. Gone far too soon. RIP MCP
Dan and Barbara Harpool
Wednesday, August 27, 2025
Our thought and prayers are with the Pulley family. I worked with Matt in my years on the PA Board of Trustees. Matt was always positive and dedicated to PA, PA
students and families.
Shabana
Wednesday, August 27, 2025
May God grant Mr Matthew eternal rest and give the family strength during this difficult time...prayers for PA family as well ....
Shabnam Minsaria
Wednesday, August 27, 2025
God, rest his soul in eternal peace and I'm so sorry for your loss, our deepest sympathies go out to you"
Dionne Colbert
Wednesday, August 27, 2025
This is hard pill to swallow. Matt meant so much to me and my family. So many memories! Elizabeth, I am praying so hard for you and the kids. Asking God for peace and understanding. The Brooks and Colbert family sends love and prayers your way!
Hazel Maxey
Wednesday, August 27, 2025
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time. Prayers our heavenly Father keeps you and your family close, gives your strength, peace and comfort.
Nashwa Krisht
Wednesday, August 27, 2025
My heartfelt condolences to your entire family during this difficult time. May you find comfort in the beautiful memories you shared with Matt. Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers.
Lesley Nalley
Wednesday, August 27, 2025
Sending love and light during your time of grief. Our hearts and prayers are with you all!
Scott & Lesley Nalley
Kennedy and Kevin Holleman
Wednesday, August 27, 2025
Sending my thoughts and prayers to all. Hoping for comfort and strength through this difficult time.
Michelle Steiner
Wednesday, August 27, 2025
My thoughts and prayers are with you all. Praying God comfort surrounds you all. God bless and keep you near.