Gregory Martin Matthews was born on January 31, 1953, to the late Matthew Ake Matthews and Nancy Jane Pack Matthews of Anderson, TN. Greg was called to his heavenly home on February 9, 2022. He was preceded in death by brother: Troy Andrew Matthews of Decherd, TN., paternal grandparents: James Oscar Matthews and Lula Gertrude Ake Matthews of Anderson, TN, and maternal grandparents: Mart Pack and Alice Pack of Chattanooga, TN.
He is survived by three brothers, Godfrey Matthews of Anderson, TN, Jeff Matthews (Debbie) of Estill Springs, TN, Patrick Matthews (Barbara) of Huntland, TN., and one sister, Nancy Gwen Bean of Estill Springs, TN.
He is also survived by a host of nieces and nephews: Angela Ray, April McKinney, Paul Wayne Bean, Bryant Bean, Jeffrey Matthews, Tonya Allen, Stephen Matthews, Daniel Matthews, Amy Matthews, Carol Ann Morris, and Susan Morris.
Greg was born in Anderson, Tennessee to Matt and Nancy Matthews, the second child of six children. Right away the doctors recognized Greg’s disabilities and gave a grim prognosis. They said that Greg would never be able to live a normal life and that he would never live to see his teen age years. He was intellectually and developmentally challenged.
Indeed, Greg’s future sounded bleak. But, from that day forward all of the negative labels were dropped and only one label was kept. Greg was “special.” He became “special” to his Mom and Dad on that day and he remained special to the entire family for the rest of his life. Not only was he special, he was loved immensely. His parents were Christians and they both had something that the doctors didn’t seem to have. They had hope! They had no money, but being Christians, they believed in the awesome power of prayer. Pretty soon they became aware of the great things that were being done at Shriners Children’s Hospital. When they checked into it, they discovered that Shriners Children’s Hospital could admit Greg free of charge. Their prayers were answered; Shriners Children’s Hospital could help. Greg had to wear braces on his feet and legs so he could learn to walk. Doctors performed surgery on his eyes so that he could see, and they clipped his tongue so that he could learn to speak.
Greg rose far above the challenges he faced and he defied the medical doctors. He wanted to go to school and he did. He learned to write his name in cursive and he wrote it beautifully. More importantly, he learned social skills. Greg was such a gentle soul, and he deeply loved people. It seemed that he never met a stranger. Greg knew a lot of people and a lot of people knew Greg, and once Greg met you, he never forgot you.
Greg became a Christian when he was a young boy and he was baptized at the Church of Christ in Anderson. He attended church faithfully. He could be seen walking to church in the rain, sleet, or snow. He loved to serve the Lord and it made him happy to wait on the Lord’s Table. The nieces and nephew would watch him in amazement and wonder how he could do those things. He also loved to lead singing at the church and he did it with such joy! He may have sounded out of tune to most people, but no doubt his joyful sounds rose up as a sweet, sweet melody to the Lord. Greg could sit in his room with a song book and just sing his heart out for hours. His favorite song was “Jesus Loves Me.”
Greg also loved hunting, fishing, and camping, but more importantly, Greg just loved spending time with his family. Over the years, all of the nieces and nephews that came along claimed Greg as their favorite Uncle. He would spend hours playing with the children. They loved him, and he loved them. Greg will forever have a special place in their hearts. But not only did he capture the hearts of the children, he captured the hearts of everyone who knew him. As a family, we feel blessed for having had Greg in our lives and we believe that we are better people for it.
Visitation will be from 5-8 pm on Monday, February 14, 2022, at Moore-Cortner Funeral Home. Funeral Services will be held on Tuesday, February 15, 2022, at 2:00 pm in the Moore-Cortner Chapel. Interment will follow at Franklin Memorial Gardens.
Moore-Cortner Funeral Home, 300 First Ave NW, Winchester, TN 37398, (931)-967-2222
