With hearts full of love and gratitude, we celebrate the life of Frank Peter Matulich, Jr., who peacefully passed away on July 19, 2026, at the age of 80.
Born on March 8, 1946, in Columbia, Mississippi, Frank was the middle son of three children born to Frank Peter Matulich, Sr. and Allene Sutton Matulich. After graduating from Columbia High School, he attended Mississippi College as a member of the football team, before transferring to the University of Southern Mississippi in Hattiesburg, where he earned his degree and was a proud member of the Kappa Sigma fraternity.
Frank was a devoted husband to Martha Harris Matulich. They met in Columbia, Mississippi, and shared nearly 55 years of marriage, building a life centered on faith and family. Together they raised two sons and were blessed with three cherished grandchildren. After moving to Griffin, Georgia in the late 1970s, they made Tifton their home in 1987, where they built lifelong friendships and became active members of the community.
After college, Frank answered the call to serve his country during the Vietnam War. As a First Lieutenant in 1st Cavalry Division, 1st Platoon, Alpha Company, he served with courage and distinction, earning a Purple Heart for his bravery. His military service reflected the quiet strength, humility, and sense of duty that would characterize the rest of his life.
Following his military service, Frank built a successful career as a sales representative in the furniture industry, primarily with Florida Furniture, where he faithfully served customers throughout Georgia for more than 35 years. Known for his integrity, warm personality, and genuine care for others, he valued the friendships he developed with his customers and colleagues alike. His commitment to serving people, along with his strong work ethic, earned him the respect and trust of those who knew him professionally.
Frank possessed a remarkable gift for music. Although self-taught, he became an accomplished banjo and guitar player after first picking up the guitar in college. Whether playing bluegrass tunes with friends or simply enjoying music at home, he found great joy in sharing his talent with others.
When Frank wasn't playing music, he could often be found on the golf course. After moving to Tifton, he joined Spring Hill Country Club, where he became an avid golfer and cherished the friendships he shared with his regular group known as the "$2 Boys." Some of his happiest days were spent enjoying friendly competition, laughter, and fellowship with his golfing buddies.
Frank was a longtime member of First Baptist Church of Tifton, where his faith remained the foundation of his life. He especially treasured the friendships and encouragement he found through his Sunday School class and the fellowship he shared with his church family.
Frank's legacy of love lives on through his children, Christian Matulich and wife Carolyn of Dunwoody, Georgia, and Andrew Matulich of Asheville, North Carolina; and his cherished grandchildren, Carter Matulich of Nashville, Tennessee, Olivia Matulich of Minneapolis, Minnesota, and Ryland Matulich of Asheville, North Carolina. He is also survived by his sisters, Brenda Pounds and husband Paul of Columbia, Mississippi, and Robin Ugone and husband Keith of Grand Saline, Texas; his niece, Penny Pablovich and husband Paul of New Orleans, Louisiana; his nephew, Pepper Pounds and wife Lynn of Charlotte, North Carolina; his grand-niece Parker Pounds Werntz and husband Mitchell of Atlanta, Georgia; his grand-nephew Peyton Pounds of Charlotte, North Carolina; and his cousin Bebe Savell and husband Bill of Maryville, Tennessee.
Frank was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Martha Harris Matulich, and his parents, Frank Peter Matulich, Sr. and Allene Sutton Matulich.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Vietnam Veterans of America.
A memorial service will be held for Mr. Matulich at 11:00AM on Thursday July 23rd in the Memorial Chapel of Tifton's First Baptist Church. The family will receive friends immediately following the service in the Social Hall of First Baptist Church of Tifton.