William Benton Matthews

William B. Matthews, 84, died Monday, August 8, 2023 at his home. He was born in Steamboat Springs, Colorado August 3, 1939. His family moved to Los Angeles, California when he was 9 months old. Steamboat was where his heart was. He was preceded in death by his parents, Benton P and Bernice Matthews and a sister, Bernadine Monheim.

After graduating from Glendale High School, he joined the National Guard. His favorite pastime was speedboat racing. He was a machinist for Lockheed Martin building parts for various airplanes, which were top secret to all. He started his career at U.S.M.C designing ortho and prosthetic components. One of his accomplishments was the Cam Walker.

In 1989, he was transferred to Fillaur, Inc. in Chattanooga, where he was in research and development manager. That was where he met Leona and they were married in 1995. After being a bachelor until then he accumulated 3 grown children, which he took under his wing.

Years after his retirement, he and a neighbor designed the Heads Up Unit for the Navy.

Bill is survived by his wife, Leona, children, Melinda (Tim) Sansom, Eddie (April) Denham, Jim (Nessa) Denham, grandchildren, Kaylia (Michael) Stewart, Peyton Denham, T.J. Evans, Lexie Denham, Codi Denham, Khole Denham, Cruz Gouveia, nephew, Tim (Jill) Monheim , niece, Chris (David) Poyner, and several cousins in Grand Junction, Colorado of whom he was very fond of.

The family will receive friends from 11-2 Thursday, August 10 at the North Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home. Graveside services will follow at 2:00 at Hamilton Memorial Gardens with Chaplain Greg Collins officiating.

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