Diego Manuel Matias-Arroyo

Diego was born April 19, 2006, in Knoxville, Tennessee to his loving mother, Christina Matias-Arroyo and father, Manuel Matias-Arroyo. He was the light of his mother’s life.

Diego had many interests but his first “unofficial” duty was greeter at his mother’s hair salon. For those who remember a tiny Diego keeping his mother’s clients entertained with his big smile and sweet voice. He often helped other children who came to the salon overcome their fears of having a haircut. He was a people person even at a young age. He would often help sweep the salon or offer his mother’s clients a beverage or offer to show them his bunny rabbits.

Diego loved helping others through his entire life.

As he grew up, Diego became involved in many activities starting with the Cub Scouts at Beaver Ridge United Methodist Church and Boy Scouts of America at Ball Camp Baptist Church.

As a teen, Diego was a member of the Karns High School Marching Band and played French Horn. He was a Member of the United States Naval Sea Cadet Corps, Knoxville Anchor Division earning his First Year Ribbon and receiving an Academic Achievement Ribbon in 2017. Diego enrolled in construction and electrical training at the Byington-Solway Vocational School at Karns High School. He was hired by his current employer, BESCO Electrical Contractors, before graduating high school. Diego graduated Karns High School in 2024.

Diego loved music of all genres and played the guitar with passion. He played guitar in a band and played locally at open chord music events. Additionally, Diego loved to skateboard and found himself immersed in the sport and often would assist in cleanup of area skate parks to protect the quality of the community.

Diego was predeceased by his grandfather, Fred W. Childress, A1C United States Air Force, his grandmother, Judy Childress, of Knoxville, Tennessee. Diego leaves behind his loving mother, Christina Matias-Arroyo, father, Manuel Matias-Arroyo, sister, Ariana Anne Matias-Espinoza, and devoted girlfriend, Anna Katherine Jones, of Franklin, Tennessee. Diego also leaves behind close family, friends, colleagues, co-workers and anyone that ever had the opportunity to have their day brightened by his beautiful smile and kind demeanor.

Friends of Diego are asked to put in writing a funny story, special memory or anything special that you remember about your time and moments shared with Diego. Your submissions can be provided to Diego’s mother at his Celebration of Life. This will be very special for his mother to look back on to remember just how many people loved Diego.

Visitation will be held at Weaver Funeral Home, 5815 Western Ave, Knoxville, TN 37921, on Monday July 27, 2026, from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm.

A Committal Service will be held at New Gray Cemetery, 2724 Western Ave, Knoxville, TN 37921, on Tuesday July 28, 2026, at 11:00 am, with final resting place at New Gray Cemetery on Western Ave in Knoxville.