Gene Matthis

I love you Papaw. I was honored to be your daughter-in-law. Rest in Peace.

Jet,Susan, Sarah, and Stu,
It was great seeing you all again but I wish the circumstances had been different.
Gene had a profound effect on my life and career. For four years at Sewell he was my mentor and one of my best friends.
As a very young mining engineer, I learned a lot about coal mining from Gene without really knowing it. While we worked hard putting in a new mine and prep plant we also had fun. Once we put several live catfish in a wash tub, took it by truck 12 miles to a coal sludge pond , and dumped the fish into the pond.
He wanted to prove the water was not toxic. He succeeded ---the catfish did fine.
I know you all will miss Gene terribly. I have lost a dear friend.
I will never forget him.

Dave Morrison

Dad, thanks for being my Dad. I will miss you terribly, but know how much of an impact you made on me and many, many others. With eternal love, your son Stu

For those members of the public viewing this guest book, I need to say that this man was our darling Uncle Gene. He graced his Illinois nieces with beautiful gifts of his woodworking craft. Perhaps more importantly, we have remarkable details of our family history thanks to his unstinting pursuit of genealogical research. And finally, the man himself, whom we loved and now wish we had opportunities to visit with, and learn from him. Those family reunions in Kentucky were wonderful!

With love and support for Jane Ellen, Susan, Sarah and Stuart and their families, we are

Jane Matthis and Ann Lawson (daughters of Gene's brother Bill.

Prayers and love to you all at this time !Gene had a helping hand for everyone who knew him. We are blessed to have known a man of his kindness.

Susan, Gary & Family,
Our deepest sympathy to you in the loss of your father. I'll thoughts and prayers will be with you in this difficult time for your family. Cherish the fond memories and love of your Dad.
Jack , Linda Alsop and Family

As a fellow Univeristy of Kentucky graduate mining engineer, I owe my career with Pittston to Mr. Matthis. I can't thank you more.

Gene was a customer and, I liked to think, a friend way back in my Lee-Norse days. I always had tremendous respect for Gene and enjoyed our interaction.

Judge McWhorter, Penney Farms, FL

To the Matthis family: Please accept our sincere condolences. From all members of the Bristol, Virginia Fire Department

I am truely sorry to hear about the passing of Mr.Mathis,he was an outstanding person,and helped people everyday.I am deployed to Iraq and wish I could be there to honor this fine man.My prayers are with his wife,and family. CSM John Cartwright