Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
FUNERAL HOME
Matthews BOONE Obituary
Mr. Boone was preceded in death by his wife of 53 years, Pocahontas H. Boone; mother, Annie Mae Willis and father, Leonard Blue; his son, Michael Kevin Boone; one brother, Willie Boone; and aunt, Martha Dennis.
He is survived by two daughters, Dr. Michelle Boone-Thornton (Virgil), Pamela Boone-Holland all of Hampton, Va.; one special sister, Anne Small (Tiberius) of Hampton, Va.; four special sons, David Boone (Theresa) of Chicago, Ill., Willie Armstead (Sharon) of Austin, Texas, Barry Smith of West Virginia, and Larry Todd (Crystal) of Fort Carson, Colo.; loving grandchildren, Courtney Thornton, Jordan Holland, Virgil Thornton II, all of Hampton, Va., Lenise Newby of Richmond, Va., Marrisa Thornton of Birmingham, Ala., and Destiny and Sean Todd of Fort Carson, Colo.
Matthews Boone graduated from George P. Phenix High School in 1952. He received a Bachelors Degree in Biology from North Carolina Central University in 1956. He was an active member of First Baptist Church Hampton since 1972 and a member of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc., Zeta Delta Sigma Chapter. At NCCU he was co-captain of the football team his senior year. Matthews Boone was Draft pick No. 18 by the New York Giants football team in 1956. He played semi-pro football for the D.C. Bears and also the D.C. Collegiates. He was inducted into the NCCU Hall of Fame in 1986. He was employed as a Director of Community Center, D. C. Recreation Department, Dean of Boys-Virginia School for the Deaf & Blind, Hampton, Va., Newport News Public Schools as a teacher, coach-wrestling, track & field, football, and Drivers Education Instructor.
A celebration of life service will be held at noon Friday, Oct. 15, 2010, at First Baptist Church Hampton. Interment will follow in Hampton Memorial Gardens. Viewing will be held 1 to 7 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home and two hours prior to the service at the church on Friday.
O. H. Smith & Son Funeral Home is honored to serve the Boone family. View and post condolences on our online guestbook at dailypress.com/guestbooks.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Matthews BOONE
Darrell Stewart
October 8, 2019
My Coach, my Mentor, my Father-figure. Coach Boone was second behind my own father in molding and nurturing me into the man I am today.!! I still sit down and replay some of the words he shared with me and these words in particular, Stewart, in life things will come at you fast and hard, you gotta be able to know and understand which things are good or bad for you and make decisions accordingly. Then he said get dressed and dont be late to practice. Coach was a rock!!
Bobby Feldhousen
November 13, 2010
My condolences to the Boone family and friends. Coach Boone was my 10th grade gym class teacher. He was also my behind the wheel driving-course instructor, so credit him ( or blame him ;-) )for my parallel parking skills! He was always encouraging to all his students , and now 34 years later I still regard Coach Boone as a huge positive in my time at DHS. Best wishes to the Boone family, and thanks, Coach !
Dr. Stanley P. Jones
November 1, 2010
Dear Boone Family,
I taught with Matt at Denbigh High School. He was such a nice person and always had a laugh and a smile. He cared about others and worked well with everyone. You have my deepest sympathy. May God give you strength now and in the days ahead. Take care.
Jay Underwood
October 30, 2010
Matt Boone coached me in both football and track (shot put and discus) from eighth grade in 1976 through my senior year in 1980-81. I always made sure I was in his gym class every semester, too. He even taught me how to drive a car! He really was a sweet, kind man. He truly cared about every one of his athletes and students. He used to enjoy acting tough and gruff, but the real Coach Boone was gentle, kind, understanding, and forgiving. Nevertheless, sometimes he coached by instilling fear into us. He could be scary when he would yell or get in your face! I'll never forget his mustache tensing tight across his top lip as he fussed at me for missing a block or blowing an assignment. Other times he would put his arm around my shoulder, remove a Swisher Sweet cigar from his mouth, and gently explain what I was doing wrong, and how I would get better results if I would use better technique. He always knew what we needed; Sometimes a kick in the rump, other times a compliment and a pat on the back. I'll never forget Coach Boone. He was a tremendously important figure during five crucial years in my life. I went back to visit him about 20 years ago and I thanked him for everything that he had done for me. I am sad that he is no longer with us but I am happy that he is enjoying his eternal reward with Christ. May God comfort and bless his family.
October 20, 2010
My condolences to the Boone family on the lost of your father. I can still hear his booming voice & see his smile. He was a big man with a big heart. He would keep you straight and he meant what he said. Rest in a well. Denise Prince-Hinton. DHC Class of 78
Anthony Cooper
October 20, 2010
To the Boone Family
Coach Boone kick my butt up and down the football field at Denbigh High for 4 of the best years of my life. I never got a chance to say thank to him so I would like to use this time to speak to his family...Your father, brother, grandfather was an awesome man and mentor. I talk about him fondly to this day. To Coach Boone...I say thanks, I needed that!
maxie anderson
October 20, 2010
To The Boone Family,
My deepest sympathy goes out to you on your loss. Coach was not just a mentor to students, he was a mentor to young coaches. he taught me what it took to shape young peoples lives and guided me as young football coach on his staff. I'am thankful to your family for sharing him with all of us. God Bless you all
Nancy Gray- DHS Class of 1980
October 19, 2010
Coach Boone taught us not only how to succeed in sports but in life as well. He was always willing to lend an ear to any problem we brought to him. He has touched so many lives it is impossible to count! RIP Coach Boone! Thanks for the memories!
Darrell Stewart
October 19, 2010
To The Boone Family,
Coach was a very special and important part of my life and a driving force in me being the man I am today. I had a father at home and one at school so I walked the straight and narrow 24/7. I will miss him as I know you will but, he will forever be a part of my life. Darrell Stewart DHS Class of 1979.
Lina Torres Kennedy
October 18, 2010
My deepest sympathy and prayers to you and your family. Coach Boone was deeply loved by all of the students at DHS.
DHS, Class of 1980
Tommy Wheat
October 18, 2010
To the Boone family,
We have lost a very special man in Coach Boone. He was a great coach and mentor to so very many young adults. We can all rest assured we will see him once again when we go home to be with GOD.
Amanda Osgood(DHS 78)
October 18, 2010
My prayers go out to the family. Coach Boone was loved by all at Denbigh. He was a father figure to many young folks. He taught us all many life lessons.
Glen Schlickenmeyer
October 18, 2010
Sympathies to the Boone Family. Coach Boone encouraged a lot of people. He will be missed.
Audrey Johnson Garrett
October 18, 2010
Part of Coach Boone will be the legacy of love that he left, not just with his family, but with each student that he touched. He was a man of integrity and a desire to make he child he came in contact with a better man or woman. He wanted us to held accountable and aware of the possibilities of our futures! He was more than a track coach for me....he was a life coach!
My condolences to the Boone family. May the love of those of us who knew this man, give you comfort!
david white
October 18, 2010
Coach, you will be missed. Im sorry to say that I didnt get it at the time you tried to teach us, but the messages were hood. Thanks for your time and guidance.
Rodney Payne - Redcross
October 18, 2010
Winning isn't everything! Coach Boone taught us that losing isn't everything eigther! There are life listens in both winning and losing. Coach Boone taught us that when you lose to pick your self up and try it again! When you get knock down he would say to us, "get up up before you say that you are hurt". Those listens I will never forget. Coach Boone helped me go on to receive an athletic scholarship in football and a great education. I want to thank the Boone family for sharing this great man with so many other people. He truly touch the lives of those he came in contact with. God Bless this "Gental Gaint", who shared so much wisdom and insight with us. He will be truly missed...
DHS '83" #1 DB
Susan Fitchko
October 17, 2010
Coach Boone was a wonderful mentor to so many young people during his teaching years. I feel lucky to have taught with him during his time at Denbigh High. Rest in peace Matt, and God's blessings on your family at this sad time.
October 17, 2010
To the family and friends of Matt Boone; Just believe and hold on to the loving and peaceful memories. You have my heartfelt sympathy.
Mary Sinclair Jacobs, Phenix High School 1952, [email protected]
Cynthia Richardson-Brown
October 16, 2010
Coach Boone made student teaching one of the most enjoyable experiences in my life. He always had a kind word or a positive spin on how I should look at education. I will miss him, and I am sure that the many students whose lives he touched will as well. Your family will be in my prayers.
Sherrie Cheshire-Bollhorst
October 16, 2010
Our family was deeply saddened by Coach Boone's passing. He had a profound effect on not only my brother, Billy Cheshire, who played football with him and eventually helped him get an athletic scholarship, but to me and my husband, Jason years later at DHS with his many inspirational thoughts drive for success. He will truly be missed- but Heaven has both my beloved brother Billy and Coach- two exceptional men no doubt talking football and sports. My sincere condolences on Coach Boone's passing. His legacy will always remain at DHS!
Rick St. Peter
October 15, 2010
Rest in Peace, Coach Boone...You were a terrific man and a great teacher and coach! My deepest sympathy to your family. I hope they know the impact you had on countless lives!
Rick St. Peter, DHS 1989
Amia Ross
October 15, 2010
To the Boone family, Coach Boone touched and affected the life of so many people. His life and legacy speaks for itself. He will truly be remembered. Let the Lord be your stregnth.
DHS Class of 1989
Wanda Cary Lea, DHS 1989
October 15, 2010
My deepest sympathy to the Boone family. Coach Boone was like another father to me at Denbigh. He was a great teacher and great coach. He will be truly missed. Love you Coach Boone.
Lesley Littlepage
October 15, 2010
I was sadden to hear that "MY COACH" had passed. Coach Boone was the 1st coach I met at Denbigh and became an instant father figure. I will miss you so!
Lesley "TINY" Littlepage {Track/Field 1989}
Sean Benson DHS 1989
October 15, 2010
My heart goes out to the Boone family. The father, man and coach will be missed by so many young people who lives he touched.
Naomi Timberlake
October 15, 2010
If you knew Coach Boone you are truely BLESSED!!!He was a GREAT MAN...Coach you will be greatly missed...My thoughts and prayers go out to the Boone family...Always...
Myra Smith
October 15, 2010
To Michelle and Family. What a wonderful celebration of your father today at the service. After listening to so many talk about how he touched their lives, I certainly got a picture of who he was. You are in my prayers.
Sherry Greene-Reaves
October 15, 2010
Coach Boone was a wonderful person. He put up with me many a days as a football manager. I thank God for putting teachers like you in my path. You are gone but never forgotten. What a legacy. DHS 1986
LINDA CARTER
October 15, 2010
A GREAT MAN, THANK YOU FOR YOUR KINDNESS,CARING ATTITUDE. YOU WERE A ROCK FOR MANY OF US.THANKS FOR BEING OUR MENTOR AND NOW IM DOING THE SAME FOR ALOT OF KIDS THAT NEEDS ME. THANK YOU SO MUCH. OUR PRAYERS ARE WITH YOUR FAMILY.
Ian Holley
October 15, 2010
Thanks coach BOONE. Even though I did not play football, you told me how to conduct myself as an afro-American athlete at DHS. Thank you for that.
Ian Holley (Wrestling 1988)
Alex Greene
October 15, 2010
To the Boone family,
My thoughts and prayers go out to the family. Coach Boone was one of the finest coaches that I have ever been coached by. He was very inspirational in my career. He will be sadly missed.
From Alex Greene member of Denbigh's Championship team of 1977.
Thanks, Coach
Steve Klemencic
October 15, 2010
To the Boone Family,
Coach Boone was one of the most influential people in my life. A fine coach and a great man, he taught us all how to be winners, on and off the field. His memory will live on in the hearts of those he touched. With his passing, we have all lost someone special. May he rest in peace, and may you take heart in the knowledge that he was such a wonderful man. DHS/1978
Geri Reyes
October 15, 2010
DHS will never forget you!! you will always be remembered by the ones lives you touched!
Alfredia Coman
October 15, 2010
I am deeply sadden by this loss. Prayers of strength to the entire family.
David Hardin
October 15, 2010
Coach Boone was one of the nicest men I have had the pleasure to work with. I worked with him at Todd Stadium from 1986-1990 while working at drivers education. He will be sadly missed.
October 15, 2010
Thanks for The MEMORIES Thanks For Guidance
Thanks For The Fun Thanks For Shaping Young Men And Ladies Lives Thanks For Being Our Role Model Thanks For Being Our Teacher Thanks For discipline us Thanks For Coaching Us
Thanks For Caring And Sharing your Time Peace and Love to the
Family Jesus will Return for you so REST IN HIS ARMS lOVE
Tony Curtis DENBIGH 1976 QB
October 15, 2010
great coach/Teacher great person
good father Figure Role Model
keep you laughing serious minded
hero knew how to coach will be missed
to the family my deepest love for you
but remember that at the sound of that
trumpet the dead shall riseand meet the
our god in heaven qb 1976 Tony Curtis
Tracy Shoemaker
October 15, 2010
Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Belinda Langston
October 15, 2010
Coach Boone will be sadly missed by all who loved him - he was truly a great man of character. May God bless the family and know that he is in a much better place now without pain!
Annette Gale-Walker
October 15, 2010
Pam
I just found out, I’m sorry in the passing of your father. They are back together again, and I see him smiling. You know the countless hours he father me, gave me advice, and put in my place with I need it. After all the years of hanging out at your house, he and your mom were a blessing to me and helped Mama Gale to form the women I am now. Please know that I love you and I just a phone call away. Nette Gale Walker
Charles Miller
October 15, 2010
Calm and caring are two words that come to mind when I think of Coach Boone. Our professional career paths crossed many times over three decades. Matt was a rock. He helped many. He will be missed.
October 15, 2010
Rest in peace, Coach Boone. He was a very sweet man who cared about all of his students. My prayers and condolences are with his family. Arnita G. Blowe Denbigh High School Class of 1980
Michael Lee
October 15, 2010
Matthews Boone was more than a football coach to those that knew him or were fortunate enough to play for him. He was a class act who cared for the people he came in contact with. He definately had a major impact on my life. I thank you for everything coach. I have been able to use alot of your teachings in my coaching and culinary careers.
Nancy Valentine
October 14, 2010
I have fond memories of the "Big Man" Coach Boone from Carver Intermediate. He was a stern task master but truly loved all of his "kids." Our lives have been richly blessed and we are all better people because of his influence. Godspeed, Coach. You will live forever in our hearts.
Brian & Trudy Mifflin
October 14, 2010
We are very sorry to hear about the loss of such a great man. We learned about Mr. Boone through our good friends, your niece and nephew Ed and Penny Tatum. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family.
Blessings,
Tony Morton
October 14, 2010
Coach Boone, thanks pushing me to be the best I could be. You will be missed.
Allison Davidson
October 14, 2010
The Davidson Family send our prayers to the family. We loved your father, grandfather, brother and friend. He will be missed but not forgotten.
Matt Peanort, III
October 14, 2010
We were so sorry to hear of your loss. The thoughts of many are with you at this time of sorrow.
The Peanort Family
Matt, Jr., Matt, III and Marcus
Tony Owens DHS 1982
October 14, 2010
Rest in Peace Coach.
Janie Halsey-Gilbert DHS 86
October 14, 2010
As we go through life there are certain people that make a difference in who we become, Coach Boone was one of those special people for a lot of young people and older ones also. he will forever hold a place in my heart and the hearts of many others. My thoughts and prayers are with you all at this sorrowful time.
Sunshine Wallace
October 14, 2010
You will truly be missed. Words can not describe all that you meant to me. Without your guidence I would of never became the woman I am today. I miss you Coach and I will never forget you!!!
October 14, 2010
Coach Boone,
You will be missed.
Tina Carrubba Spezzano DHS86
Louis Beveridge
October 14, 2010
I have been blessed to be shown how to be a man by some of the finest examples of manhood that GOD ever made. From the time I met Coach in the eighth grade he always treated me like I was his. He would always tell me what to do and how to do it. And I still remember watching the knees buckle in that little ticket booth office at Carver Intermediate. I never experienced it but I witnessed plenty who did. When I returned home as a young father, he was still filling that same role, offering personal and professional guidance to me and refusing to let me stub my toe for want of information. Matt Boone always cared about the people in his life and I'm blessed to have been one of them. Coach, thank you, I love you and I'm trying to be just half the person that you were to all of us!!! Pam and family, you know I love you and you are in my prayers. Peace and blessings!!!
Jody Harden
October 14, 2010
We are confident,I say,and willing to be
absent from the body,and to be present with the Lord,Debbie Billy&Jody are sorry for your loss,we will keep the family lifted up in prayer
October 14, 2010
Please accept my sincere condolences during this time of your loss. May you find comfort in knowing that God "is near to those broken at heart and those crushed in spirit he saves." (Psalm 34:18)
Kenny Vinson
October 14, 2010
Coach Boone
You touched so many lives. Not only did you teach us about football but about life
Tyrone Green
October 14, 2010
My prayers go to the family.My deepest of respect to Coach Boone the coach that made me beleive in myself. I LOVE YOU FOR THAT THANK YOU!
October 14, 2010
What an honor of being drafted by the 1956 New York Football Giants-NFL Champions that year. Wellington Mara said once a Giant, even so briefly, always a Giant. I was 11 during that season, watching the games at Yankee Stadium on my parents Philco TV. I would turn the sound off and listen to Marty Glickman call the game on radio. I never met Matthews, but as an old Jint fan, I will keep him in my prayers.
Martin Lenhardt
Ed Tomlin
October 14, 2010
Coach, you ran a tough camp on and off the field. The young men and women fortunate enough to work w/ you are certainly better for it. You will be missed and never forgotten.
Theresa (Tee) Miles
October 14, 2010
I was very sadden to hear about the passing of Coach Boone. He has been a mentor for me for many years. He taught me and ironically, I started working with him as a driver's education teacher. He was a very kind and humble person . I can remember the last time that I saw him, as he was purchasing a suit for his grandson. I was so happy to see him out and enjoying his family. You will truly be missed, Coach. May God bless his family and Thank You,family, for sharing him with so many of us.
Gerry Jones (DHS '76)
October 14, 2010
Farewell and God bless you Coach.
Eric Rivera
October 14, 2010
We will miss you Coach Boone! Our thought and prayers go out to the family in this difficult time. Know that he touched so many lives and will live on in the lessons that he taught so many of us, on and off the field.
rashella bolton
October 14, 2010
I am so sorry for your lost.I was with him in his last days and he taught me so much.Always go after what you want and always put your family first.He was a great man of many talents and he will be truly missed. He is now in a better place with no more pain and sorrow............Renee
John Harvell
October 14, 2010
To the one man who kept me going my first year of teaching. Coach taught me a lot not just about teaching but about life. I am deeply sadden to hear of his passing. The man upstairs is getting not only a great coach but an even greater person!
Judi Reid-Green
October 14, 2010
One of the things in life you never forget is learning to drive ~ Coach Boone made it lotsa fun! Please find comfort in knowing how many lives Coach touched in a positive way!
Gladys Baker
October 14, 2010
To Pam and family..May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived. We will continue to keep your family in prayer. Gladys, Darnell and Tevin Baker.
Chris Nicoletta
October 14, 2010
I was so sorry to hear of your loss. The thoughts of many are with you at this time of sorrow.
Maureen Jackson
October 14, 2010
To the family
My heart and prayers goes out to you. I can remember taking Driver's ED and they put me in a huge LTD(back in the day). He told the instructor I was to short to be in that big car. They put in a smaller car and I have been driving every since then. He was a great man in NNPS.
Ottis West
October 14, 2010
Coach we will miss you thanks for all the lessons on and off the field. DHS#33/1989
O. H. Smith & Son Funeral Home
October 14, 2010
Offering our deepest condolences during this difficult time.
Showing 1 - 70 of 70 results
Make a Donation
in Matthews BOONE's name
Memorial Events
for Matthews BOONE
Funeral services provided by:
O. H. Smith & Son Funeral Home3009 Chestnut Avenue, Newport News, VA 23607
How to support Matthews's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Matthews BOONE's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
