On August 25, 2025, the Pulaski Academy family and the wider Little Rock community were deeply shaken by the sudden passing of Matt Pulley, age 49. A devoted husband, father, friend, and colleague, Matt’s life was anchored in faith, love for his family, and a genuine commitment to others.
He is survived by his loving wife, Elizabeth, their son Tyler, a senior at Pulaski Academy, and their daughter Maddy Kate, a junior at Ouachita Baptist University. His family was the center of his world, and his pride in their achievements and love for their futures was evident to everyone who knew him.
For nearly 20 years, Matt faithfully served as Assistant Head of Enrollment at Pulaski Academy, where his warm smile and welcoming spirit were often the very first memories families carried of the school. His colleagues remember him as a man with a rare gift—an ability to instantly put people at ease and make them feel like they belonged.
The school reflected: “For the last 18 years, Assistant Head of Enrollment Matt Pulley’s welcoming demeanor and big smile have been among the first memories many families have of Pulaski Academy. We extend our deepest sympathy to his wife, Elizabeth, and their children, Maddy Kate (’23) and Tyler (’26), as we hold them close in our thoughts during this difficult time. Our hearts are heavy as we grieve the loss of Matt, a father, husband, friend, and colleague who left an indelible mark at PA.”
Tributes from families, students, and staff highlight just how far-reaching Matt’s influence was. One parent shared: “Matt is the reason my girls attend PA. We toured multiple schools when we moved to this area, but his heart for students and the PA community let us know we were in the right place. My heart goes out to his family. He was a beautiful human, and the depth of your loss is unfathomable.”
Those closest to Matt describe him as genuine, humble, loyal, and joy-filled. His laughter could light up any room, his sense of humor turned ordinary moments into cherished memories, and his steady presence made life richer for those around him. As one friend put it: “If Matt was there, you knew you were going to have a good time.”
Matt’s faith was the foundation of his life. His love for Jesus shone through in the way he lived—with compassion, integrity, and an unshakable devotion to his family. Beyond his roles as husband, father, and educator, he also found joy in the game he loved—football, especially cheering on Baylor.
As the community navigates this heartbreaking loss, support has poured in for the Pulley family. A fundraiser has been established to help Elizabeth, Tyler, and Maddy Kate through this difficult season. The organizers shared: “The hole he leaves is immense, and yet even now we’re held by the hope Matt lived with and pointed us to. This fundraiser is a way for all of us—family, friends, teammates, classmates, colleagues, church family—to show up for Matt’s family right now.”
Matt Pulley’s legacy will live on through the countless lives he touched—with his faith, his laughter, his kindness, and his unwavering love.