Dickie Matthews
Dickie (Robert J.) Mathews, 81, of Chattanooga, died on Sunday, February 1, 2015, at his home after a lengthy illness.
He was born in Charleston, W.V. on October 31, 1933 and has made Chattanooga his home since 1959. He was a member of Calvary Baptist Church on Dayton Boulevard in Chattanooga.
A well-known musician, Dickie began playing the piano at age seven in church. Later, he followed his love of Gospel music by playing for such quartets as the Homeland harmony, Crusaders, Jimmy Jones and the Deep South Quartet, the Downings, the Scenicland Quartet, Roger Horne Trio and the Impacts. Also, he was privileged to play for such notables as Jimmy Dean, Patsy Cline, Stewart Hamblin and Elvis Presley. Most recently, he enjoyed 25 years of playing the Calliope and being a member of the Riverboat Ramblers Band on the Southern Belle Riverboat in Chattanooga.
Dickie has been recognized several times throughout his career with such honors as the Distinguished Citizen Award for the Hamilton County Commission, the Gospel Music Piano Roll of Honor and the Living Legend Award of Gospel Music.
He was a graduate of John A. Gupton School of Mortuary Science and worked as a funeral director for Chattanooga Funeral home for over 30 years.
Dickie was preceded in death by his father and mother, Rev. Ralph R. and Flora Mathews, father-in-law and mother-in-law, David and Jerry Gillespie, brothers-in-law, Ronald and Gerald Gillespie and Leonard Hamrick.
He is survived by his wife, Jewell, two daughters, Robben Mathews, Nan Mathews Cook, son-in-law, David Cook, and grandson, Mathew Cook. He is also survived by his sister, Nancy Hamrick, Gadsden, Ala., his brother, Dr. Glenn Mathews and wife, Fleta, of Robbins, North Carolina, sister-in-law, Glenda Gillespie, Jasper, Ala., several nieces and nephews.
We would like to thank Lora Baker and Samantha Baltazar with Hearth Hospice for their tender loving care during his time at home. They were absolutely wonderful to us all. We are sending our appreciation to Dr. Arrowsmith, Dr. Kimsey, Dr. Headrick, and Dr. Bodra for their expert care given Dickie over the past several years. Also, thank you to the 4th floor Oncology Unit nurses and staff at Memorial Hospital for their kindness and loving care.
The family will receive friends from 4-8 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 3, and 12-1 p.m. on Wednesday at the North Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home.
A celebration of life service will be held at 1 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 4, at the funeral home chapel with his brother, Dr. Glenn Mathews, Reverend Dwight Martin and Reverend Wayland Stewart officiating. Entombment will follow in Hamilton Memorial Gardens.
Memorial contributions may be made in Dickie’s name to Hearth Hospice, 1800 A Rossville Ave., Suite 7, Chattanooga, TN 37408.
Arrangements are by the North Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home, Crematory and Florist, 5401 Highway 153, Hixson.
Please share your thoughts and memories at www.chattanooganorthchapel.com.
At the keyboard