Thomas Malcolm Matthews

After the cooling rains in the remote stretch of the Blue Ridge Mountains between Clarkesville, Tallulah Falls, and Clayton, Georgia, the clouds descend to kiss the lush green mountains, corn filled valleys, and everything in between. With a brilliant smile and boundless energy, Tommy Matthews touched the lives of so many as gentle as the mist in those mountains.

Thomas Malcolm Matthews was born on May 30, 1937, in Gainesville, Georgia, and was raised in Athens, Georgia, with two younger sisters and a younger brother. Tommy was engaging and a natural charmer who began the life of a salesman at an early age with a paper route and then later at Ferguson’s Men’s Store in Athens. He attended North Georgia College in Dahlonega, Georgia, for two years and was class president both years.  

Tommy spent his career as a professional salesman for everything from business machines and glass bottles for Coca Cola, to shipping, freight, and transport services. He was such a successful salesman that some said he could sell ice to Eskimos. Tommy never really retired and transitioned to selling water filtration systems in North Georgia. That was how he met Ann Greer, of Gainesville. She became his “sweetheart” and welcomed him into her family and brought joy and happiness to his heart.

As a young boy of only 5 years old, Tommy was sent to the Athens Y Camp in Tallulah Falls. He became a “Y Camper” for life with his sons and grandchildren following in his footsteps. In “retirement,” he lived in nearby Tiger and actively supported the camp through the alumni association.

Tommy was an avid hunter, fisherman, photographer, and gardener and passed that passion on to his sons and grandchildren. From landing the twin, 10 pounder large-mouth bass mounted in his office; tarpon fishing in Boca Grande, Florida; deer hunting in Lafayette, Alabama; and fly fishing for trout, to elk hunting in New Mexico, Tommy loved and respected wildlife and the outdoors. We will remember Tommy and toast him around the campfire and on the gunwale for the many wonderful memories we shared with him.

On September 23, 2024, at the age of 87, Tommy passed peacefully back to the misty mountains with his loved ones by his side. Tommy is predeceased by his father J.W. Matthews, mother Elsa Martin Matthews, and brother Jerry Matthews. He is survived by his sisters Amanda (Bruce) Houston, Jennifer Napolitan, sister-in-law Shirley Matthews, his sons Mike (Karen) and Bart (Deborah), his grandchildren Ben and Caitlin Matthews, his sweetheart Ann, and many nieces and nephews. He lived a long, full life, and experienced the joy of sharing many special times with his children and grandchildren and watching them grow into successful, happy lives. We will miss Tommy dearly and for all the lives he touched, may this message bring fond memories of Tommy who is undoubtedly smiling down upon us from those misty mountains.

A graveside service will be held Saturday October 12 at 11:00 a.m. at the Alta Vista Cemetery.  Also, on Sunday October 13 another service will be held at the Athens Y camp at Tallulah Falls, Georgia.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Rabun County (Georgia) Chapter of Trout Unlimited or to the Athens Y Camp in Tallulah Falls, Georgia.

Those wishing to send online condolences to the family may do so at littledavenport.com

Little & Davenport Funeral Home and Crematory, 355 Dawsonville Highway, SW, Gainesville, Georgia 30501 is in charge of arrangements.