Richard Lee Matthews, Sr., 67, of Chattanooga went to join his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on February 2, 2022.
His family meant more to him than anything else in the world, as evidenced by the way he lived his life. He was infinitely proud of his five children, Melissa, Rick, Ryan, Reed and Rob. Richard was a devoted and loving husband to Terry, his college sweetheart. Richard earned his Bachelor of Science degree from West Georgia University. He was a member of Alpha Tau Omega. He spent his entire career with Thermo King of Chattanooga.
Everyone who knew Richard knew he was the most loving father and husband a family could ask for. He enjoyed coaching his children’s sports teams and watching his grandchildren participate in sports. Richard loved to travel, taking surprise midnight trips to Disney World and making his kids laugh by singing “Oh, My Darling Clementine.” Richard loved the simple things in life, including Little Debbie’s for breakfast, milk on his ice cream, flashlights, Bea’s Restaurant, Krispy Kreme, and chocolate covered cherries. Whenever possible, Richard made trips to The Varsity and always remembered to bring his wife a chili dog and a Frosted Orange. Richard was active in the Chattanooga Jaycees and Rock Steady Boxing at the North River YMCA.
For over 30 years Richard served and worshiped with his family at Hickory Valley Christian Church. At HVCC, he served as chairman of the board of trustees, alumni chairman, and chairman of the Hickory Valley Christian School Board. For the past few years, Richard and his wife Terry have worshiped at Silverdale Baptist Church, where he was a member of the small Austin group.
Richard was predeceased by his father, Curtis Lee Matthews and his grandmother, Willie Pearl Matthews. He is survived by his wife of 44 years, Terry Stynchcombe Matthews, and his loving children and their families; Melissa Matthews Colter, her husband Justin and their children Kendall, Rhett and Sloane “Boots” Colter; Rick and Kara Matthews, and their children Noah and Ava Matthews; Ryan and Lisa Matthews, and their children Henley and Nora Matthews, and Regis Okungu; Reed and Anna Matthews, and their son Henry Matthews; and Richard’s youngest son, Rob Matthews. He is also survived by his mother, Sandra Matthews, and his siblings Tammy (John) Forehand, Tommy (Patricia) Matthews, Billy (Margret) Coleman and Mark Matthews.
Richard gave in death as he gave in life. His legacy lives on in his children and in his contribution to Lewy body dementia research through his organ and tissue donation.
Memorial contributions may be made to Hickory Valley Christian School or Silverdale Baptist Academy.
Family will receive friends Sunday, February 6 from 2-4 p.m. at Hickory Valley Christian Church, 6605 Shallowford Road, Chattanooga, Tn. 37421. A celebration of life service will begin at 4 p.m. with Gary Armes officiating.
Arrangements are made by the East Brainerd Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home, Crematory & Florist.
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