[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 199 (Tuesday, December 18, 2018)]
[Senate]
[Page S7785]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        REMEMBERING MATT ARTHUR

 Mr. PERDUE. Mr. President, recently, my hometown of Warner 
Robins, GA, and indeed the entire State of Georgia, lost a true leader. 
I lost a good friend and mentor.
  During his career, Matt Arthur made a difference in the lives of 
countless students and families. He was raised in Fitzgerald, GA, one 
of six children. He graduated from Fitzgerald High School in 1952 and 
received a football scholarship to the University of Georgia. In 
addition to playing football, he served as battalion commander of the 
university's ROTC unit, and earned a bachelor's degree in industrial 
arts. He would also later earn master's degrees in industrial arts and 
administration and a specialist's degree in education leadership. After 
graduating college, Matt served in the U.S. Army at Fort Benning in 
Columbus, GA. He served from 1957-1959, ultimately rising to the rank 
of first lieutenant.
  In 1959, Matt became a high school football coach, winning a Triple-A 
State championship in 1961. The following year, he moved his family to 
Warner Robins and embarked on a career that would truly make a 
difference. He was the first head coach and athletic director of my 
high school alma mater, Northside High School, and served as its 
principal from 1968-1980.
  In 1980, Matt became superintendent of the Houston County School 
System. He succeeded my father, David A. Perdue, Sr., in this role and 
served until retiring in 1988. His enduring contributions to the 
community were commemorated with the opening of Matt Arthur Elementary 
School in Warner Robins in 1999.
  For years, my father and Matt Arthur were close friends. I was also 
proud to call Matt a friend. Our family and the entire Middle Georgia 
community will miss him.
  Throughout his life, Matt led by example and always put family first. 
He is survived by his high school sweetheart and wife of 64 years Sarah 
Bob Arthur, two adult children, five grandchildren, and one great-
grandchild.
  My wife Bonnie and I join everyone in our hometown and countless 
others Matt Arthur impacted for the better in lifting up his family 
during this very difficult time. Matt Arthur was a great American and 
will be greatly missed.

                          ____________________