Melvin Matthews

Melvin Matthews, 81, of Pikeville, went to be with the Lord on Tuesday, September 29, 2015.

He was a veteran of the United States Army and served his country during the Korean War.

During his life, Mel wrote for the Southern Standard in McMinnville, worked 15 years at the Cumberland County Playhouse, was the “Voice of the Warriors” on WUAT, worked security for the Bledsoe County Sheriff’s Department, and was currently the court officer at the Bledsoe County Courthouse.  Mel loved working with the radio and newspaper and was a huge U. T. and Nascar fan.  

He was preceded in death by his mother, Mary Elizabeth Matthews; and sister, Opal Fay Miller.

Left behind to cherish Mel’s memory is his wife of sixty-plus years, Mary Matthews; son William Edward (Shirri) Pruitt, Pikeville; daughters, Karen (Chris) Christopher, Pikeville and Betty Howser, Rock Island; three brothers-in-law, Bill (Bonnie) Howser, Earl (Pam) Howser, Randal (Jean) Howser; sisters-in-law, Judy Smith, and Elaine Richardson; grandchildren, Matthew Walker, Tony Cagle, Jr., Shirri Ann and William Pruitt, Jr., all of Pikeville; Adam Pruitt, Bloomfield, NE, Melissa Campbell, Rock Island; several nieces, nephews, cousins, several great grandchildren, and a couple great-great grandchildren, and a host of friends.

A Celebration of Mel’s life was held October 2 in the funeral home chapel with Bro. Jimmy Garner officiating. Burial was in Pikeville Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions can be made to assist with Mel’s final arrangements.

Online condolences may be made to the family at www.pikevillefuneralhome.com.

Arrangements were entrusted to Pikeville Funeral Home of Pikeville.