Donald C. Matthews

Donald C. Matthews (Don or Donnie), age 78, Halls resident for 49 years, passed away on January 6, 2021 of Covid complications with COPD. He is survived by beloved wife of 56 years, Judy Wilson Matthews. Children: Chris Matthews, Lisa (Mark) Matthews Keefer, Bryan (Gigi Carpenter) Matthews, Amira Matthews, and Rylan Matthews. Grandchildren: Cierra Matthews Wyrick, Zak, Noah, and Abu Keefer. Great-grandchild India Matthews. Also, Noelia Folch Villas, our exchange student daughter from Fraga, Spain. His best friend, cousin, and family Tim and Becky Wells. He loved his church, Union Baptist Church and pastor Craig Cummings. He was always willing to help anyone and loved to be with his children, grandchildren, and all their friends. His big red truck hauled many boys to Halls football game, and he enjoyed every minute of it. He took on the joy of raising two great-grandchildren at the age of 70 and made sure they played every sport and activity they wanted to do. He loved to watch them, and a whole new group of young parents and their children became his friends. Age knew no boundaries for him, young and old, he encouraged and supported every one of them. He attended Central High School, Class of 1960, and the University of Tennessee. He spent his working career in the trucking industry in Knoxville. He proudly served in the Army from 1966-1968 during the Vietnam War. He was fortunate to have serve most of his tour duty in Erlanger, Germany, where his wife joined him, and they made many happy memories. He was the best husband, father, and friend anyone could ask for. He was a man who not only loved God, but he walked the walk not just the talk. His love for his wife and family was beyond what we could have ever hoped for. We will miss him so much, but we know that he is waiting on us with that smile. He was preceded in death by his parents Paris and Loretta Matthews, sister Marion, and parents-in-law Herman and Juanita Wilson. Friends and family will meet at East Tennessee Veterans Cemetery, 2200 E. Governor John Sevier Hwy, at 9:15am on Friday, January 15, 2021, for a 9:30am interment service. Pallbearers will be Rylan Matthews, Mark Keefer, Zak Keefer, Noah Keefer, Abu Keefer, Scott Lee, Brent Eldridge, and Chris Lavier, and there will be full military honors. We welcome you, but we want your safety any health to be our focus. We completely understand if you choose not to attend. We ask for masks and social distancing when possible. Since he was sick on December 8, all the prayers, texts, phone calls, food, cards, flowers, and any gestures of kindness have been felt and appreciated during this time. While we could communicate, we shared it all with him, and he was amazed at the love we were receiving. God bless each of you for the love we have felt! Condolences may be left at www.mynattfh.com.