David Matthew "Matt" Duckworth, 45, passed away on September 7, 2024, surrounded by family, after a valiant four-year battle with cancer. Matt was born on December 11, 1978, in Flowood, Mississippi, to Billy and Betsye Duckworth. He spent most of his childhood in Clinton, Mississippi, where he made lasting friendships and strong community ties. Matt was actively involved in many community and school activities. During his time at Clinton High School, Matt was a three-year member of the nationally award-winning Attaché Show Choir. He was also involved in the Spanish Club, National Honor Society, the Mayor’s Youth Council, and the Senior Class Group at Northside Baptist Church. He graduated with honors in 1997, having been recognized for his leadership with the Presidential Award for Leadership Excellence. Matt continued his education at the University of Southern Mississippi, where he earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Broadcast Journalism and a Master of Science in Public Relations. He was a proud member of the Sigma Chi Fraternity, Southern Style, and the Southern Miss Alumni Association. Matt was also awarded the Freshman Leadership Scholarship. He cherished his time at Southern Miss, remaining a loyal supporter of the Golden Eagles throughout his life. In 2003, Matt married the love of his life, Suzanne Shows Duckworth. Together, they built a life full of love, adventure, and shared passions. Suzanne was not just his partner, but his greatest love and companion in every aspect of life. Their mutual passion for travel took them on countless adventures, creating unforgettable memories across the globe. However, one of their greatest shared passions was their love for all things Disney. Matt and Suzanne made regular trips to Disney World, reveling in the magic and joy that Disney brought to their lives, always embracing the childlike wonder that it inspired. After receiving his Juris Doctorate from Mississippi College School of Law with honors, Matt began his career as a Judicial Law Clerk for Judge William Thomas in Hattiesburg, Mississippi. He later pursued his Doctorate of Healthcare Administration (DHA) while employed at the University of Mississippi Medical Center (UMMC). Matt’s career took him to New Orleans, Louisiana, where he completed a post-graduate administrative fellowship at Ochsner Medical Center. Following their time in New Orleans, Matt and Suzanne moved to Nashville, Tennessee, where Matt joined Vanderbilt Medical Center as the Physician Network Operations Manager and later as the Director of Population Health Operations for Vanderbilt Health Affiliated Network (VHAN). In addition to his many professional accomplishments, Matt served as an Education Committee Member for the National Association of ACOs (Accountable Care Organizations), as well as many other committees and organizations through the years. Matt and Suzanne shared a deep love for animals welcoming four beloved dogs into their lives: Cash, Nola, Talulah, and Zoe. Matt adored each of them as his own fur babies, and they filled their home with love, companionship, and joy. Zoe, their cherished first dog, preceded Matt in death, and now they share a heavenly reunion, as their bond continues beyond this life. Matt leaves behind a loving family who will forever cherish his memory: his devoted wife, Suzanne Duckworth; his parents, Billy and Betsye Duckworth; and his sister, Jill Duckworth Comfort (Casey), in-laws Dr. Robert and Janice Shows, sister-in-law Virginia Britt (Steve). He will also be remembered by the many friends, colleagues, and lives he touched throughout his journey. Matt also adored his nephews, Jackson Britt (12) and Crew Comfort (2), and his niece, Campbell Comfort (6). He cherished every moment spent with them, and they adored their "Uncle Matt" just as much. His presence in their lives brought joy, laughter, and countless unforgettable memories. A passionate supporter of the Southern Miss Golden Eagles, Matt was known for his unwavering loyalty to his alma mater, cheering for them in every sport and activity. His deep connection to Southern Miss earned him the title of "The Most Loyal Eagle" in the hearts of those who knew him best.Matt’s positivity, kindness, and contagious smile will be missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him. Though his journey on this earth was cut far too short, his legacy of love, dedication, and unwavering spirit will live on through the countless lives he impacted.