Thomas Earl ‘Tom’ Matthews, Jr.
Thomas Earl Matthews, Jr. (Tom) died on Thursday, August 22, 2019 at Jasper Memorial Hospital.
Tom Matthews was born on December 26, 1949, in Pulaski, Tenn., to Joann Watson Matthews and the late Thomas Earl Matthews, Sr. In addition to his father, he was preceded in death by his grandparents, Earl and Mary Matthews of Pulaski, Tenn., and grandparents, Robert and Mamie Watson of Lynnville, Tenn.
A 1968 graduate of Southwest DeKalb High School, Tom attended Presbyterian College in Clinton, S.C., North Carolina State University in Fayetteville, N.C. and the University of West Georgia College in Carrollton.
He served honorably in the United States Army from 1970 until 1973. He was a Vietnam veteran serving in the 1st Cavalry Division, MACV and 82nd Airborne.
Tom was an educator and coach for 30 years in DeKalb County (Stoneview, Cross Keys High School and Lithonia High School), Gwinnett County (Norcross High School and Shiloh High School) and Jasper County (Jasper County Middle School). He made a positive impact on his students and athletes as he taught them academics and life skills.
A member of Monticello Presbyterian Church, Tom served as an elder for the church. The church and its members held a special place in his heart.
He is survived by his loving wife of 46 years, Patricia Kathleen Farrell Matthews of Monticello; mother, Joann Watson Matthews of Lilburn; children, Thomas Earl “Matt” Matthews, III (Heather Reid Lease Matthews) of Mansfield and daughter, Kathleen Farrell Matthews of Covington; brothers and sister, Robert Webb Matthews (Bridget) of Denver, Colo., Joseph Watson Matthews (Beth) of Jefferson, William Buford Matthews of Lilburn and Mary Alice Matthews Erickson of Lawrenceville; and grandchildren, Donecia Matthews, Aria Matthews, Darian Reid, Emaleigh Lease, Jackson Lease and Jonathan Lease.
A memorial service will be held at 3 p.m., Saturday, Sept.21, 2019, at the Monticello Presbyterian Church. Visitation will be held from 1:30 until 3:00 p.m., prior to the service at the Monticello Presbyterian Church. Pastor Kathi Parchem will officiate.
As a memorial to Tom, the family suggests in lieu of flowers donations be made to the Monticello Presbyterian Church P. O. Box 308, Monticello, Ga. 31064.
Jordan Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Visit its website at www.jordanfuneralhomemonticello.com.