Matthew Brigance

Matthew Lone Brigance, 18, earned his Angel's Wings on Tuesday, September 5, 2023. Matthew was born to Sandy and Mark Brigance of Fort Smith, Arkansas, on December 22, 2004. Matthew was born during a snow and ice storm; however, this could not stop his family from coming to meet the newest addition.

As Matthew grew, he became fascinated with sports. He had a ball in his hand since before he could walk, and he was a natural athlete. Matthew grew up strong and had countless athletic accomplishments. He loved football and baseball, in which he played Quarterback and Pitcher respectively. Above all, Matthew was a natural born leader and he loved his teammates.

Matthew’s athletic accomplishments are perhaps only seconded by his academic ones. Matthew was a brilliant young man and was one of the smartest people you could ever hope to meet. Matthew competed in spelling bees, geography bees, quiz bowls, and so much more. Matthew’s unmatched determination led him to become the Valedictorian of the Waldron Class of 2023.

Matthew enjoyed going to the lake with his Mom, Dad, Uncle Keith, and Aunt Bethany. He loved to play sports, learn new things, and spend time with his family and friends. Matthew loved watching sports with his dad and hanging out with his mother (even if he was giving her a hard time). Matthew loved to go to his beloved Gran and Pa’s house every Wednesday and share a home cooked meal. Matthew also had a standing lunch date with his wonderful Kaki. Matthew had an incredible bond with his brothers, who loved and still love him deeply. The Pride and Joy that Matthew brought to the people who loved him is impossible to put into words.

Matthew leaves behind to cherish his memory his parents, Mark and Sandy Brigance of the home; two brothers, Trenton Garrett, wife Paige, son Gatlin, daughters Elaina, and Alanah of Greenwood, Arkansas; and Brandon Garrett, wife Ryan, and daughter Rylee of Greenwood, Arkansas; paternal grandparents, Larry "Bear" and Maurene Brigance of Waldron, Arkansas, and maternal grandparents, Faris Barker of Fort Smith, Arkansas and Bill Barker of Boles, Arkansas; Uncle Keith, Aunt Bethany and Cousin Maebree Brigance of Waldron, Arkansas; Aunt "my grandma" Sonya Barker and Uncle “my grandpa” Joseph Holston, Abby Chambers (Bob) of Edmond, Ok, and Amy Hughes (Russell) of Greenwood, AR, Uncle Billy Barker of Boles, Arkansas, Aunt Tonya Morgan of Waldron, Arkansas, Cousins Morgan Barker and Zed Barker of Waldron, Arkansas; and Aunt Gayle Cotton of Texas.

Matthew will also remain in the hearts of his great aunts and uncles Roger and Sharon Brigance, Rick and Carla Brigance, Michael Farmer, Melissa Bingham, Dortha Scott, Maxine Hawkins, Helen Morrison, Frank McKay, and Patsy Slagle. Cousins Eric Brigance, Chris, Amy, Bradley, Trace Brotherton, Kyra Monk, Laura Spence and Nathan Bingham.

Mathew was preceded in death by his Great Grandmother GG and his cousin, Trey Barker.

Matthew's life celebration will be at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, September 9, 2023, at the Heritage Memorial Funeral Home Chapel in Waldron, Arkansas with Bro. Daniel Alexander officiating. Interment will follow in the Square Rock Cemetery in Waldron, Arkansas. Arrangements are being entrusted to the Heritage Memorial Funeral Home in Waldron, Arkansas

Matthew's pallbearers will be Trenton Garrett, Brandon Garrett, Miguel Trianna, Leo Lopez, Bryson Barker, Lidge Stinson, Peyton Lipham, Blake Owens, Steeven Figueroa, and Will Solomon.

Matthew's visitation will be on Friday, September 8, 2023, from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at the Heritage Memorial Funeral Home.