Arthur N. Matthews Jr.

1932 - 2008

Arthur N. Matthews Jr., better known to all who knew him as "Artie", was born a Yankee in South Bend, Indiana on April 23, 1932. He was the first of five children born to Arthur Sr. and Helen Ridenour Matthews. The family moved to Roanoke, Virginia after his dad was offered the position of vice president/actuary of Shenandoah Life Insurance Co. He was graduated from Jefferson Senior High School, in Roanoke, and entered VPI as a Cadet. He left Tech and served in the United States Army during the time of the Korean Conflict. Artie met Bettie Jeanne Jones, his future wife, during Christmas holidays of 1956 in Roanoke. They were married almost a year later on December 21, 1957. He then returned to Tech and received his BS degree in Business Administration in 1959. To this union were born two children, Judith (Judy) Matthews Leeming and Arthur Nelson III (Tres) Matthews. Art, and his fine example of a life well-lived, was a great role model. These two devoted and loving children continue to be a comfort to their mother and will join her in both mourning his passing and celebrating his life. Artie retired as Director of Juvenile Court Services for the 9th District after a long and distinguished career. He was a talented musician, skilled on the clarinet, but more at home behind a set of drums. He worked with many different bands and formed his own group known as the "Socialaires". Dixieland music was his favorite because he felt it "reached your soul" on so many levels. He especially enjoyed playing at the "Occasion for the Arts" in Williamsburg because his music reached so many people who might otherwise have never heard that true New Orleans style. Sleep well, dear Artie, and make sure the Angels keep their harps tuned. Arrangements by Amory Funeral Home, Grafton, Virginia.