TITLE: In memory of Alvin Leon Matthews of Austin.

SUMMARY: In memory of Alvin Leon Matthews of Austin.

FULL TEXT:
WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas joins the citizens of Austin in mourning the loss of Alvin Leon Matthews, who died March 8, 2025, at the age of 77; and WHEREAS, A native and lifelong Austinite, Alvin Matthews was born on November 7, 1947, to Bernice Crenshaw Williams and the late Ardell Matthews; from an early age he excelled as an athlete, and he attended Stephen F. Austin High School, where he earned a football scholarship to attend Texas A&I University in Kingsville; in college his numerous achievements included being named an All-American player and joining the Lone Star Conference All-Decade Team, and he earned a degree in secondary education in 1970 and went on to serve with distinction as a member of the United States Army National Guard for the next six years; and WHEREAS, Al was a second-round National Football League draft pick for the Green Bay Packers, and he went on to play briefly for the Seattle Seahawks and for the San Francisco 49ers; in 1972, he became the first African American football coach at The University of Texas, and he later taught and coached at his high school alma mater; after retiring from teaching, he pursued a number of successful endeavors in real estate, construction, and automotive sales; and WHEREAS, A generous philanthropist, Al helped raise more than $1.7 million through his National Association of Professional Athletes Celebrity Golf Classic; he served on the boards of several charitable organizations and received numerous accolades for his extensive service to the community; and WHEREAS, Alvin Matthews was a man of wisdom, strength, and unwavering kindness, and he was a devoted father to his two children, Marcus and Kia; he was a treasured member of the Austin community, and he will long be remembered with respect and admiration by his loved ones and by all who were privileged to share in his life; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 89th Legislature, hereby extend sincere condolences to the bereaved family of Alvin Leon Matthews; and, be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared for his family as an expression of deepest sympathy from the Texas Senate and that when the Senate adjourns this day, it do so in memory of Alvin Matthews. Eckhardt President of the Senate I hereby certify that the above Resolution was adopted by the Senate on May 31, 2025, by a rising vote.