Tyrone Town Councilman and Navy veteran Ken Matthews passed away unexpectedly on June 9.
Matthews, 56, was in his third term on the Town Council, having served in that capacity for nearly 11 years, and having also served on the town’s Planning Commission. Matthews was a member of the Rotary Club of Fayette Daybreak and was a past president with the organization.
Matthews attended Way of Life Church in Tyrone. The church on its Facebook page on June 9 said, “It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of one of our family members. Ken Matthews passed away unexpectedly this morning. He served in several capacities at Way of Life and has been a faithful member for years. We want to express our deepest and sincere sympathies to his family and friends. Our heartfelt prayers are with you during this time. We are so thankful for his faithfulness and support to the Way of Life family and ministry. He was a friend to anyone who met him and will be greatly missed.”
The Town of Tyrone also noted Matthew’s passing on its Facebook page, saying, “It is with deep sadness and regret that we inform you that Councilman Ken Matthews (Post 3) passed away unexpectedly overnight. Mr. Matthews was a Tyrone resident most of his life and served the town as a Planning Commissioner and, more recently, as a member of the Town Council and was serving his third term. Mr. Matthews also served in the United States Navy. We ask our community to please keep Mr. Matthews’ family in your prayers and thoughts during this difficult time.”
Commenting on Matthews and his service to the community, Mayor Eric Dial said the town was very saddened to hear of Ken’s passing.
“Ken was a man who loved his town and used his time to show that,” said Dial. “Ken had a servant’s heart, and that heart was evident during his time in the military and during his years serving the citizens of Tyrone on the Town Council and Planning Commission. Ken lived a good life, and we are grateful for our time with him. He will be missed.”
Councilwoman Gloria Furr knew Matthews his entire life, having grown up with Ken and his family.
“Ken was as humble as he could be as a child,” said Furr, emphasizing the kindness Matthews always displayed. “He served Tyrone with dignity and respect for everybody. Ken was committed to his family, and cared for them very much. He was a humble and grateful person.”
Matthews is survived by his wife of 33 years, Susie Lackey Matthews; daughter, Ashley Matthews of Fairburn; sister, Cortney Dotson and her husband, Gary, of Hampton; grandchildren, Ivy, Alexander, Logan; nephews, Michael, Chris, Nick and Wyatt.
Funeral services will be held Friday, June 12 at 11 a.m. at the Chapel of Parrott Funeral Home, with Rev. Greg Mallett and Mr. Eric Dial officiating.
Those wishing may sign the on line guest registry at www.parrottfuneralhome.com.
The family will receive friends Thursday evening from 5 until 7 p.m. at Parrott Funeral Home and Crematory, 770-964-4800.
Parrott is located on the northwest corner of Ga. Highway 74 and Landrum Road in Fairburn.
Heart attack?