FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. -- Wilson Matthews, a key figure in the University of Arkansas athletic department for more than 40 years and a legendary high school football coach, died Sunday night.

Matthews, who was a coach and administrator for the Razorbacks, was 80.

"Wilson was the one who taught me how to be a true Arkansawyer," said Razorback athletic director Frank Broyles. "He was invaluable to me in decision making regarding the Razorback program and its fans. I never made a decision regarding the future of our program without asking Wilson for his input."

Broyles said Matthews, who joined the athletic department in 1958 after building an incredible record at Little Rock Central, coached the defensive ends and linebackers at Arkansas before taking administrative duties in 1969. He continued to coach the freshmen until being named assistant athletic director in 1973. He served as an assistant and then associate athletic director until 1992 when he assumed the title of associate athletic director emeritus.

"He was instrumental in helping elevate fan support around the state from a healthy enthusiasm to an unbridled passion for the Razorbacks," Broyles said.

He also said Matthews "had a unique relationship with his players that bonded them both to him and the school for a lifetime."

He called Matthews' death a "tremendous loss for our state, the university and the entire Razorback family."

The university gave Matthews credit for a ticket priority plan that provided revenue for the athletic department.

A native of Atkins, Matthews is in the Arkansas Sports Hall of Fame, the Razorback hall of Honor, the Arkansas Tech Hall of Distinction and the Arkansas High School Coaches Hall of Fame.

Last fall, he was recognized as one of the difference-makers in Razorback athletics and a monument was established in front of the Broyles Center. He also was named a Distinguished American by the Arkansas Chapter of the National Football Foundation and Hall of Fame.

At Central, his teams won 10 state championships in 11 years. His 111-14-3 record included only three losses to in-state teams. His first Central team was 12-0-1 in 1947. His 1951 team was 9-3, but a one-point loss to North Little Rock was the last time a Matthews-coached Central team lost to an in-state opponent. The Tigers were unbeaten in 1956 and 1957 and had a 33-game winning streak when Matthews left for Fayetteville.

He is survived by three sons and two daughters-in-law and four grandchildren. A memorial service will be at 10 a.m. on Thursday at the First Baptist Church in Fayetteville, Ark. Graveside services will be Friday at 2 p.m. at Oakland Cemetery in Atkins.