Thomas Matthews, Jr.'s Obituary
Thomas Lee Matthews, Jr., age 35, of Ooltewah, Tennessee, passed away on December 9, 2025. Born on October 7, 1990, in East Ridge, Tennessee, He graduated from Chattanooga for Arts and Sciences in 2009. Thomas lived a life marked by quiet strength, deep creativity, and unwavering devotion to his family. He was a loving husband to his wife, India Matthews, and a devoted father to his son, Tobias Matthews, who was truly the joy of his life. He was a provider and protector, leading his family with consistency, humility, and love.
From the very beginning, music was woven into Thomas’s life. As a baby, whenever he heard music, there was always movement, a rhythm only he could feel, followed by soft humming as if the melodies lived within him. His love for music came naturally, as though it had been placed in his spirit long before he could speak.
At an early age, Thomas became a member of The House of God Church—Keith Dominion in South Pittsburg, Tennessee. His musical journey began in church at the age of seven, playing the steel guitar. He would practice for hours at a time, determined to perfect his craft. Even at such a young age, his gift was undeniable. One day, his music moved the entire church into praise, leaving a lasting impact that revealed a calling far greater than talent alone. He was anointed by God to play for God.
Over the years, Thomas became a gifted, self-taught musician who could play over ten instruments, including piano, lead guitar, and bass guitar. Though he was a quiet man by nature, Thomas spoke loudly through his music. Once you got to know him, his sense of humor and warmth shined through effortlessly. He also possessed an amazing singing voice that he would sometimes choose to keep hidden, allowing his instruments to speak instead.
For over 10 years, Thomas worked at Volkswagen Chattanooga, but his greatest passion and proudest work was music. He performed locally throughout the Chattanooga area, sharing his talent across genres such as Blues, Neo-Soul, R&B, and Hip-Hop. Each time he stepped on stage, his goal was simple yet powerful, to touch at least one heart through his music. Music was not just something he did; it was who he was. Through every note, he expressed emotion, truth, and soul in a way that words often could not.
Beyond music, Thomas enjoyed colognes and fragrances, appreciating the art of scent and self-expression in the same thoughtful way he approached his craft. As a child, he also had a deep love for baseball and was exceptionally talented, a passion that reflected his discipline, focus, and dedication, qualities that carried with him throughout his life.
Above all else, Thomas cherished his family, both immediate and extended. His presence was steady, his love was genuine, and his legacy will live on through the music he created the hearts he touched, and the life he poured into those he loved most.
He was preceded in death by his grandmother, Marva L. Parrish; his grandfathers, Jessie R. Staten and Eulin B. Matthews, Sr.; and his uncle, Lonnie Helton.
Thomas is survived by his wife, India Matthews; father, Thomas (Denise) Matthews, Sr.; mother, Kimberly Matthews; his siblings, Dakota Matthews and Aspen Matthews; his grandmother, Mary Matthews; his aunts, Jacqueline (William) Middlebrooks, Vicky (Everage) Holloway, Debbie Matthews, and Jesyne Bazan; and his uncles, Fred Matthews, Sr., Eulin Matthews, Jr., Alphonso Tarrant, Roderick Brown, Jeffery Staten, and Liem Nguyen; along with a host of extended family members and friends who loved him dearly.
A celebration of life service will be held on Saturday, December 20, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. in the Chapel of Taylor Funeral Home with Bishop William Carter, Jr. as the Eulogist. Interment will follow in Lakewood Memory Gardens, East.
Though his time with us was far too short, Thomas Lee Matthews, Jr., leaves behind a legacy of love, faith, creativity, and quiet greatness that will never be forgotten.
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