Douglas P. Matthews

Douglas Pugh Matthews, 77, passed away at his home in Metairie on October 25, 2026 after a brief illness. Doug had a lengthy and successful legal career. However, his greatest pride was his close-knit family.

Doug attended St. Martin’s Episcopal School, Avon Old Farms School, Mercer University, and Loyola University School of Law. He served in the Army Special Forces and practiced law for 45 years, until his retirement from King & Jurgens, LLC. .

Pooh’s Corner, Doug’s multi-generational home in Highlands, North Carolina, was his happy place. Doug and his wife, Gigi, celebrated the one-hundredth birthday of Pooh’s Corner in 2019, with many family and friends with whom they have shared their peaceful mountain retreat over the years. At Pooh’s Corner, Doug was an avid hiker and master problem solver of anything that needed fixing. Many friends will forever picture Doug leading the charge up Rabun Mountain or sipping a drink on the porch overlooking Blue Valley.

A true dog-lover, Doug often had an adoring canine at his side. An outdoorsman at heart, he cherished time spent duck hunting and fishing alongside his lifelong friends. Later in life, he developed an enduring passion for the sport of pickleball. He made new friends from all walks of life on the court. One of Doug’s most admirable traits was that he was a true and honest friend. His loss will be felt deeply by many.

As a quintessential girl-dad, Doug was filled with pride for his three daughters: Liz, Natalie, and Mary. Throughout their school years, he could be found in the stands as he cheered for them at soccer, track, cross country and softball events. Even the day before he passed, Doug was proudly supporting his daughter at a tennis match (she won!). He embodied the fan role with his grandchildren as well at Carrollton Boosters and in Maryland.

Doug leaves a loving legacy to his wife of 50 years, Natalie “Gigi” Moran Matthews, and daughters, Elizabeth “Liz” Matthews (Jose Zúñiga), Natalie Matthews Pottharst (David), and Mary Matthews (Jacques Metevier). “Pops” will also be missed by grandchildren Mateo and Cecilia Zúñiga, Lily Cowan and Katie Pottharst, and Zélie Metevier. Another grandchild is due in February.

Before his passing, Doug left the following message for those he left behind:

With my diagnosis of AML not long ago, I was informed of my coming demise. In the short time I have left, I have been able to focus on how extremely fortunate and happy my life has been. I have a great wife, Gigi, who has been extremely supportive and loving and who I will love forever. My three accomplished daughters, Liz, Natalie, and Mary, who I love so much, have helped me experience the great times of parenthood. Their love and devotion to each other is such a blessing to both Gigi and me.

On top of this, we presently have five grandchildren: Lily Cowan, Mateo Zúñiga, Chila Zúñiga, Katie Pottharst, Zélie Metevier, and one more due in February of unknown gender. I truly have been blessed by this family.

Adding to my blessings is the circle of friends I have made over the years, who I have celebrated life with and who have made my life richer, happier and more meaningful. Thank you very much family and friends. I love you all and will miss you.

A service will be held at St Martin’s Episcopal Church in Metairie on Friday, November 20th at 2pm, with a visitation beginning at 1pm and a reception to follow the service. In lieu of flowers, remembrances are suggested to be made to the Highlands-Cashiers Land Trust: https://www.hcltnc.org/give