Thomas " Tommy" Dixon Matthews

Thomas Dixon Matthews, known affectionately as Tommy to his friends and family, embarked on his final adventure on Friday, January 5, 2024.

Funeral services will be held 2:00 PM, Saturday, January 13, 2024 in the chapel of McMullen Funeral Home and Crematory with Jim Mulling officiating. The family will receive friends following the service at the funeral home, 3874 Gentian Blvd. Columbus, GA 31907.

Tommy was born June 19, 1961 in Columbus, GA to the late Paul Dixon Matthews and Patricia Ann Parker. He lived a life that was as full and robust as his laugh, which could light up any room. He left this world in Atlanta, GA, after a spirited battle with liver cancer, but not before leaving an indelible mark on the hearts of all who knew him. He was a true friend.

Tommy's journey was shared with his beloved wife, Marion Matthews, his co-pilot in life for over 40 years. Together, they navigated the winding roads of joy and challenge, creating a family legacy that includes their son, Thomas Paul Dixon Matthews Jr. (Sherri), daughter, Kelly N. Kelley (James), grandchildren, Lily Carroll, Kayden Wragg, Kora Fussell, Thomas G. Matthews, Tauri Zink, Georgia Rose Matthews, Alanna Redd (Ryan), Shawn C. Salyers II, Kayla A. Salyers, Layla J. Salyers, Hannah U. Salyers, Braxton D. Matthews, Samantha J. Kelley (Jacob Cannon), great-grandchildren, Jackson Redd, Jaiden Redd, Chloe M. Cannon, brother, Steve Matthews (Brenda), sister, Paula E. Strickland, nieces, Christy and Amy, nephews, Sherman and Steven, various cousins and an aunt. The Matthews family tree is as strong as it is expansive, a testament to the love and care Tommy planted at its roots.

Without a doubt, Tommy was a man of many talents. While he never boasted a laundry list of degrees, he aced the subject of life with flying colors, mastering the art of being a husband, father, pawpaw, great pawpaw, uncle, brother, and a true friend who could always be counted on. His resume included titles like carpenter, roofer, plumber, personal mechanic to his wife, farmer, heavy machine operator, and an all-around problem solver who could invent solutions before the rest of us even knew we had a problem. Tommy's interests were as diverse as his skill set. Mud bogging across the country with Smoothwilly his “55” panel wagon , hunting with both guns and bow, and recently, fishing—because you're never too old to pick up a new hobby. He was a connoisseur of arrowhead hunting, camping, and had a penchant for collecting cool old vehicles. His love for covered bridges and waterfalls was less about the structures themselves and more about the joy it brought his wife as she captured their beauty through her lens. Tommy even tried his hand at panning for gold, not because he sought riches, but because it made his wife smile and that was treasure enough for him.

If you're looking for words to describe Tommy, you'd find "loving", Intelligent", "friendly”, "creative" and "adventurous" at the top of the list. He never met a stranger, everyone was just a friend he hadn't met yet. But let's not forget "wheeler-dealer" with a green thumb, especially when it came to growing tomatoes. The man could cultivate a tomato plant or grow a field of deer mix that made deer think they were in food plot heaven. Tommy's stories grew taller and more entertaining with each telling. He was fun and interesting and cared about everything he put his hand to. He loved his family, friends and fellow mud racers who were family too as far as he was concerned.  He moved through life at his own pace, savoring the moments, always quick with a joke, and never in too much of a hurry to miss the joy in the journey.

To have known Tommy was to know laughter, to know the warmth of a generous spirit, and to know that no matter what you faced, you had an ally in him. As we say goodbye to Thomas Dixon Matthews, let's remember that while he may have clocked out of this life, the memories he crafted with each of us are timeless treasures that will keep him alive in our hearts forever. He accepted Jesus as his Lord and Savior at a mountain top cabin awhile back with friends who wanted to make sure his eternity was secure, Thank you Jim and Sharon for showing him the way. Others had talked to him but he finally really got the message into his heart. What a wonderful gift, the gift of eternal life with the One who completely loves us. His homecoming was straight into the loving arms of Jesus. Amen

So, raise a glass, share a story, and let a smile be your tribute to a man who lived, loved, and laughed in a way that was uniquely, and unforgettably, Tommy. Not good-bye but see you later. I love you baby and miss your physical presence but you will forever be in our heart, soul, and minds. Till we are together again.