Matthew Kuykendall

  Matthew Douglas Kuykendall, known by his friends as “Kirk,” “Kook,” and “Kooky,” passed away on June 1, 2024, in North Little Rock, Arkansas, at the age of 49. He was born on January 15, 1975, in Little Rock, Arkansas.

  Matthew was a beloved father to Anna Charlotte Kane and Maxx Kane, whom he adopted during their teen years. He is also survived by his father Joe Douglas Kuykendall, step-mother Cindy Kuykendall, sister Kristal Lynn Kuykendall, and cousins Terry Kuykendall, Tiffany Kuykendall, Domenick Greto, Kim Barnes Mathews, Mark Wilson, and Mike Wilson. He is also survived by his aunt Coe Wilson, and uncle Gary Barnes and aunt Ruthie. 

  Matthew was preceded in death by his mother Carol Lynn Barnes Kuykendall; uncles Alan Kuykendall and Bill Wilson, and grandparents Luther T. and Aline Kuykendall and Arnold J. and Mary Lou Barnes.

  Matthew attended Abundant Life School, Central Arkansas Christian, Sylvan Hills and North Little Rock High School (Class of 1994), and Lexington Community College/University of Kentucky. His career spanned various industries, beginning in home improvement retail including many years delighting colleagues and customers at Sears in Lexington, Kentucky, and Lowe's stores in Lexington; Fayetteville, Arkansas; and Jacksonville, Arkansas. He later worked as an award-winning banker and assistant branch manager at Regions Bank in Sherwood; and as real estate title agent at Realty Title in Maumelle, Arkansas. More recently, Matthew worked as a leading sales representative at Crossroads Building Supply and in the auto-repair industry, where his deep knowledge of and love for automobiles served his customers well.

  As a youth, Matthew, with his family, was a member of several churches, including Capital City Christian Center, North Little Rock First Assembly of God, and Indian Hills Baptist Church. He also attended many services with his Grandmother Aline Kuykendall at Pentecostal and Assembly of God churches in Rose City, where he most enjoyed the music — and pestering his sister, trying to get her to laugh during the sermon (which would prompt a scolding from Grandma, to Matt’s great delight).

  Matthew was known for his friendly and kind nature, always seeking to bring a smile or belly-laugh to others, especially if they were having a bad day. Matthew was a “sunny side specialist” — not only could he find the silver lining of any cloud, he could make absolutely anyone smile at any time, and he lived to make others laugh. Children and animals all adored Matthew, and anyone who met Matthew knew instantly that he was a kind, reliable, and hilarious friend to be treasured.

  Having grown up in a musical family, Matthew had an outstanding ear for music and loved to watch musical performances both in-person and online. He and his sister’s favorite activity as adults was watching singing competitions on TV and discussing the finer intricacies of each vocal performance.

  Matthew was a huge fan of baseball and visited scores of MLB stadiums across the country whenever he was traveling. His favorite team was of course the St. Louis Cardinals, and he could spout off any current or former player’s stats without hesitation. He also loved the Arkansas Travelers and often went to games with friends and relatives. His other favorite was any Arkansas Razorbacks team; he rarely missed watching a game and his running narration during the games made us believe he perhaps missed his calling as a professional baseball or football commentator.

  Funeral services will be held at Smith North Little Rock Funeral Home in North Little Rock, Arkansas, on June 7, 2024. Visitation will begin at 2 p.m., followed by a celebration of life service at 3 p.m., officiated by Victor Rodriguez. Matthew will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.