Gene Matthis

Gene Stuart Matthis ABINGDON, Va. Gene Stuart Matthis died peacefully surrounded by his family on Monday, April 12, 2010, in the Bristol Re gional Medical Center following a short illness. He was 81. Gene was born in Harlan, Ky., in 1928, the youngest of eight children. He graduated from the University of Kentucky School of Mining Engineering and served as a lieutenant in the U.S. Air Force. He had a distinguished career in the coal industry working for Princess Elkhorn Coal Company, Island Creek and others before retiring as president of Pittston Coal Company. It was in his retirement, however, that he found his true vocation of service. An active member of the Sinking Spring Presbyterian Church, Abingdon Kiwanis, the Washington County Historical Society, Boy Scouts, Sons of the American Revolution and other civic organizations, Gene volunteered countless hours on dozens of community projects such as the Virginia Creeper Trail, the Sinking Spring Cemetery and the Penn House. Gene Matthis had a tremendous love of life and learning. He researched local and family history, played bridge, learned to speak German and always kept active and involved. Gene was a master woodworker, making beautiful furniture for his friends and family. He loved sports, especially Bristol White Sox baseball and Kentucky basketball. He was cherished and admired by so many as a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend. Gene Matthis is survived by his high school sweetheart and wife of 58 years, Jane Ellen Tye "Jet" Matthis of Abingdon and formerly of Harlan; three children, Susan Johnson and husband Gary of Richwood, W.Va., Sarah Vandegrift and husband Rob of Georgetown, Ky., and Gene Stuart Matthis II and wife Judy of Charlotte, N.C. Other survivors include a brother, Bill Matthis of Litchfield, Ill.; two sisters, Ruth Stifel of Toledo, Ohio, and Rose Parsons of Gainesville, Ga.; eight grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren. A memorial service celebrating the life of Gene Matthis will be held on Saturday, April 17, 2010, at 2 p.m. at Sinking Spring Presbyterian Church in Abingdon with Rev. Beth Yarborough officiating. Visitation will begin at 1 p.m. on Saturday at the church. In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting donations be made to the Sinking Spring Church, 136 East Main St., Abingdon, VA 24210, in memory of Gene Stuart Matthis. Frost Funeral Home, 250 E. Main St., Abingdon, VA is honored to serve the family of Mr. Matthis and online condolences may be submitted to his family at www.frostfuneralhome.com