Roger Matthews

Born in Nashville, TN on April 25, 1931

Departed on April 18, 2017 and resided in Nashville, TN

Roger Davis Matthews, age 85 of Nashville, passed away April 18, 2017 at his home, surrounded by family.

He was born April 25, 1931 in Nashville to the late Neal Matthews Sr. and Evelyn Walker Matthews, and was a graduate of Hume-Fogg Vocational School.

Right out of high-school, and just before entering into service in the United States Army during the Korean War, Roger married his high-school sweetheart, Elizabeth Jane Proby. Their 68 year journey was blessed with two children: Barry and Karen, four grandchildren and a great-grandchild.

Roger was a man of faith. He loved his church and used his talent of singing in leadership positions whenever called upon. Although his career with IBM moved him around the country, he always considered his family first. As the children reached high school, he turned down promotions to keep them in their schools and with their friends.

As grandchildren came along, Roger began spreading his love to another generation. His handyman abilities were used to build a fort for their play time. He loved to golf, read spy novels and play guitar. He was a talented artist and enjoyed grabbing his straw hat and getting on the mower in the yard.

After his children were grown, he and Jane enjoyed several years of travelling together.

Through it all, Roger was a man of faith with a passion for his family. He was truly the caretaker of those around him and an example of love to his wife, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchild. He was "the perfect example of a grand-dad", according to his family.

In addition to his loving wife of 68 years: Elizabeth Jane Matthews, he is survived by two children: Barry Matthews and Karen Matthews Jones; sister: Judy Matthews Taylor; 3 grandchildren: Jennifer Matthews Lockhart, Daniel Trent Jones and Allison Jones Sweet; and a great-granddaughter: Mariah Elise Coffee. He was preceded in death by his parents: Neal Matthews Sr., and Evelyn Matthews; two brothers: Neal Matthews Jr. and Jack Matthews; and a grandson: David Neal Matthews.

The family will visit with friends on Thursday from 4:00 - 8:00 p.m. at Harpeth Hills Funeral Home, and again from 1:00 - 2:00 p.m. on Friday. A Celebration of Life service will be conducted on Friday at 2:00 p.m. at the funeral home with burial to follow, with military honors, in Harpeth Hills Memory Gardens.