Richard Lee Matthews Sr.

His family meant more to him than anything else in the world, as demonstrated by the way he lived his life. He was unendingly 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 the University of West Georgia. He was a member of Alpha Tau Omega. He spent the entirety of his career at Thermo King of Chattanooga.

Anyone who knew Richard knew that 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 enjoyed traveling, surprise midnight trips to Disney World, and making his children laugh by singing “Oh, My Darling Clementine”. Richard enjoyed 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, chairman of the elders, and chairman of the Hickory Valley Christian School Board. In recent years, Richard and his wife Terry have been worshiping at Silverdale Baptist Church, where he was a member of the Austin small group.

Richard was preceded in death by 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 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 gift of organ and tissue donation.

Memorial contributions may be made to Hickory Valley Christian School or Silverdale Baptist Academy.

The family will receive friends Sunday, February 6, 2022 from 2-4 p.m. at Hickory Valley Christian Church (6605 Shallowford Rd., Chattanooga, TN 37421). A Celebration of Life service will begin at 4:00 p.m. with Gary Armes officiating.

Arrangements are by the East Brainerd Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home, Crematory & Florist.

Please share your thoughts and memories at www.ChattanoogaEastBrainerdChapel.com.