Virgil Maurice Matthews

Virgil (Buddy) Matthews, of Midland, Texas, formerly of Jacksonville, Texas, passed away on February 11, 2025, at the age of 95. Virgil was born April 20, 1929, in Colfax, Texas, to Eugene Matthews and Tillie White Matthews. He was a graduate of Van High School; Tyler Junior College, where he was a member of the basketball team which won a national championship in 1949; and Hardin-Simmons University, where he played basketball and baseball. In 1952, he entered Perkins School of Theology at Southern Methodist University, where he received Master of Theology and Master of Biblical Studies degrees.

After meeting when both were students at Perkins School of Theology, Virgil married Shirley Wittman in 1955. They were married for 66 years until her death in 2021.

Virgil was an ordained elder of the United Methodist Church, and served as pastor of the Emory-Point Circuit and Chandler UMC. In 1957, he became chaplain at Lon Morris College in Jacksonville, Texas, later becoming academic dean, and continuing to teach religion courses at the college each semester for 48 years.

After moving to Midland to be near family, Virgil and Shirley joined St. Luke's United Methodist Church. Virgil loved his family, opportunities to preach and teach, reading, travel and sports. He was preceded in death by his wife, his parents, two sisters, and six brothers. He is survived by his son, Mark Matthews, his daughter Karen and husband Bill Hardie, grandson Benjamin Hardie, and granddaughter Holland Hardie.

A memorial service will be held at 3:00 p.m., Wednesday, February 26, 2025, at St. Luke's United Methodist Church, Midland, Texas; and at 11:00 a.m., March 1, 2025, at the Colfax United Methodist Church, Colfax, Texas, with interment following at the Colfax Cemetery.

The family would like to thank the staff and residents of Helen Greathouse Manor for their care and friendship. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR.org).

Arrangements are under the direction of Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home & Crematory of Midland. Online condolences may be made at www.npwelch.com.