Gareth "Chris" Christopher Matthews
Gareth "Chris" Christopher Matthews, was born on January 19, 1969, at Erlanger Hospital, in Chattanooga, Tn. On June 25, 2025, Chris Matthews passed away at 56 in his hometown.
He is survived by the loves of his life, wife, Amy Matthews and two daughters, Hannah Matthews and husband, Austin Franks, Bethany Matthews, mother, Judith Morton, father, Gareth Matthews, and wife, Carmen Matthews.
He was preceded in death by his stepfather, Leonard Morton.
Chris spent his early childhood days having adventures in the small towns of Cleveland and Ooltewah. In his teen years, Chris embraced the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to sail the waters of the Caribbean Sea with his mother Judie and stepfather Leonard. He also learned lifetime skills working on projects with his father Gareth Matthews on beautiful Merritt Island, Fl.
Christopher's high school years were highlighted by his musical talent, notably, All Star Marching Band, Disney Honor and Concert Band, enjoying first trumpet position throughout.
Later education included earning his associate's degree in Electrical Engineering at Florida Technical College, going on to proudly attain a bachelor's degree from Palm Beach Atlantic University.
Chris Matthews was a distinguished technology executive with over 30 years of experience. His professional life began at the age of 19, with IBM, where he holds 12 patents. From there he went on to serve as CEO of his own creations, namely eLink Business Innovations and Streamline Inc.
Beyond his corporate achievements, he founded the Chattanooga Technology Council, served on the Volunteer Rescue Squad, dove at the TN Aquarium, and most recently, advocated successfully for strong and responsible annexation legislation for the state of Tennessee.
Above all these things, Chris held his family closest to his heart, his teenage sweetheart Amy of 28 years, and darling daughters, Hannah and Bethany.
Our husband, father, son, and friend will be missed beyond measure, but as John 14:1-3 assures,
“Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me. My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me, so that you also may be where I am. You know the way to the place where I am going.”
We will see you again soon, rest well for now…
The family will receive friends from 11 a.m.–1 p.m. on Saturday, July 5, 2025, at the Valley View Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home, 7414 Old Lee Highway.
A Celebration of Life will begin at 1 p.m. in the funeral home chapel with Pastor Ritchie Johnson officiating.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Chris's honor to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital www.stjude.org or American Heart Association www.heart.org
Visit www.chattanoogavalleyviewchapel.com to share memories, words of comfort, and view the video tribute.
Arrangements are entrusted to Chattanooga Funeral Home, Valley View Chapel.