Matthew Boykin was a central figure in the lifestream of Wilson for many years, and was also a major contributor to the Atlantic Christian athletic program. Having made donations which resulted in numerous scholarships during the 50s and 60s, Boykin played a major role in helping AC attract the top-flight basketball talent which won the North State Conference championship in 1955 and eventually played in the NAIA Finals in Kansas City, Mo. Boykin, known best locally as the general manager, president and past owner, and in 1951 won the Wilson Jr. Chamber of Commerce Man of the Year Award. His role with AC was such that Sigma Alpha Fraternity (now Alpha Sigma Phi) made him an honorary member in 1954. Boykin married the former Mary Alice Williamson of Wilson and they had four children: Janet Boykin Baker, Bill, Greg, and Matt.