Matthew Coan Arthur

Matthew Coan Arthur died early Saturday morning, December 1, 2018, from complications following a stroke. A celebration service will be held on Tuesday, December 4, at 11a.m. at Trinity United Methodist Church in Warner Robins. The family will receive visitors at McCullough Funeral Home on Monday from 5p.m. – 8p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly suggests contributions may be made to the Trinity United Methodist Church Building Fund.

Born to the late Nancy and John Sherman Arthur, Matthew was the fifth of six children raised in Fitzgerald, Georgia. Upon graduation from Fitzgerald High School in 1952, he accepted a scholarship to play football with the University of Georgia Bulldogs. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Arts, later completing a Master’s of Science in Industrial Arts, a Master’s in Administration, and a specialist degree in Education Leadership. During his time in Athens, he made his mark on the football field, in the classroom, and as Battalion Commander of the ROTC unit. Matthew was president the G club during his senior year, and remained active with Wally’s Boys throughout his life.
Matthew married his high school sweetheart Sarah Bob Ware of Fitzgerald in 1954.

Upon graduation, Matthew continued in service in the Army as a Tactical Officer at Fort Benning from 1957-59, achieving rank of 1st Lieutenant. He began his coaching career in 1959 at R.E. Lee High School in Thomaston, and was honored as the interim head coach to lead the Rebels to the North Georgia AAA football title in 1961.

In 1962, he moved his family of five to Warner Robins, beginning what would be a lasting impact on the education system of the entire community. He soon took the reins as the first Athletic Director and head coach of the newly minted Northside High School, building a coaching staff and a winning culture for decades. While never losing his passion for developing student athletes, he soon began serving as assistant principal (1966) and then principal of Northside from 1968 -1980. Elected to Superintendent in 1980, he continued championing the needs of students in Houston County until his retirement in 1988. During his 32 years in education, one of his most significant contributions was to lead the movement in Houston county to lower the millage rate for residents to enable sustainable funding for schools for years to come. Houston county citizens still benefit tremendously from this one cent sales tax today. It was a great honor to have an elementary school with his name open in 1999.
Matthew was a faithful member of Trinity United Methodist Church. He utilized his gifts by teaching adult Sunday School, and serving multiple times on the administrative board as well as a variety of committees. He provided invaluable leadership as chairman of the committee that led to the beautiful new building addition.

He was an avid hunter and fisherman. He enjoyed woodworking, managing his “farm” (cows, donkeys and fish) and, of course, following his Eagles and Bulldogs.
Survived by his loving wife of 64 years, Sarah Bob Arthur (Ware) of Warner Robins; daughter Nancy Arthur of Warner Robins; son Matt (Margie) Arthur of Lakemont, GA; son Lane (Jackie) Arthur of Grimes, IA; grandchildren: Jessica (Terry) English of Johns Island, SC; Meagan (Sawyer) Pettit of Augusta, GA; Jonathan (Courtney) Arthur of Des Moines, IA; Sarah Catherine Arthur of Grimes, IA; Will Arthur of Grimes, IA. Just three weeks ago, it was a blessing to introduce him to his one great grandchild, Annalyn Grace of Des Moines. Matthew is predeceased by two brothers and three sisters.

McCullough Funeral Home and Crematory has the privilege of being entrusted with Mr. Arthur’s arrangements.