Burle Dean Mattingly

Burle Dean Mattingly, age 88, passed away suddenly on Friday, April 11, 2025, after a lengthy battle with Alzheimer’s. He was the son of the late Leslie and Clara Mattingly. Burle was also preceded in death by his siblings Bettina, Gladolia (W.H.), Louis, Lesly Weaver, and Murel. Left to cherish his memory are his wife Ruth Mattingly, daughters Angela (Steve), Sonya (Larry), Tiffany (Marcus), and grandchildren Brianna (Juan), Clara (Robbie), Rachel (Tim), Alisha (Sundance), Michael, and Juniper. His children and grandchildren will share loving stories of Burle’s legacy and love for the Lord with his great grandchildren, Will, Claire, Evelyn, and soon-to-arrive Sebastian. He is also survived and loved by his sister-in-law Frankie, and multiple generations of nieces and nephews.

Burle enjoyed watching sports (especially the University of Arkansas), a large bowl of popcorn in the evening, and telling stories about his experiences while in the Marines. After his service with the military, Burle answered his calling from the Lord to be a minister, making him a fourth-generation Presbyterian minister in his family.

Most of all, Burle loved God and loved people. He would notice the person alone in the crowd, reaching out to them in conversation, putting them at ease and helping them to feel included and welcomed. He would treat the janitor with the same respect as the CEO or president. It didn’t matter if you were 8, 18, or 98 years old, he talked with everyone in a way that made them feel noticed and valued as a person. Burle’s loving heart, and the way he lived his life as a Man of God, touched countless lives along his journeys through the years.

Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, April 15th at 10:00 AM in the sanctuary of Central Presbyterian Church located at 2901 Rogers Ave, Fort Smith, AR 7290. Before the service there will be a time of family visitation from 9:00-9:45 AM. Following the service there will be a committal with Marine Corps honors at 11:00 AM in Fort Smith National Cemetery, 522 Garland Ave, Fort Smith, AR 72901.