Bobby Gene Matthews

Bobby was born in Pinson, TN. the son of the late David I. Matthews and Eva Irene Simmons Matthews, He is also preceded in death by his brother Clarence Matthews.

Surviving relatives include his wife of 60 years Doris Evans (Peggy) Matthews, his sister Evelyn Matthews Barnette and her husband William, one niece and four nephews and their families: Charles Barnette of Huntsville, AL; David F. Matthews (Vicky) of Jackson; Jerry Barnette of Franklin, TN; Larry Barnette (Sandra) of Branson, MO; and Mary Ann Matthews Cooper (Monte) of Jackson. He is also survived by great nieces and nephews and many friends in the 164th Airlift Wing based in Memphis.

Matthews retired in 1992 from the Tennessee Air National Guard in Memphis after 36 years of military service acheiving the rank of Senior Master Sergeant. Senior Master Sergeant Matthews was an engineer and mechanic for the largest planes in the Air Force, the C-5 Galaxy.

Funeral Services for Mr. Matthews will be conducted on May 3, 2012 at 10:00 AM at the South Chapel of George A. Smith and Sons with burial to follow in Big Springs Cemetery on Ozier Road in Pinson, TN. Rev. Dennis Renshaw, former pastor of East Trinity United Methodist Church will officiate. Visitation with the family will be held on Wednesday evening from 5:00 until 8:00 at the South Chapel.

Members of the 164 Airlift Wing will serve as honorary pallbearers.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be given to the Mathew H. Casey Scholarship Fund, c/o 164th Airlift Wing, 4593 Swinnea Road, Memphis ANGB, TN 38118-7101, which Matthews was instrumental in starting thirty years ago.

George A. Smith and Sons

South Chapel

731-427-5555