Mr. Douglas E. Matthews

Douglas Eugene Matthews, Sr., - 93, born on December 10, 1922, went peacefully to his Heavenly home, on Monday, August 1, 2016 to reunite with the love of his life, Evelyn “Hickie” Matthews. Born to Odalite and Curtis Matthews in Louisville, KY, his father’s traveling salesman’s job moved the family to so many cities, that Doug had attended 13 schools by 6th grade, a feat noted in Ripley’s Believe it or Not. Knoxville became home in the early 30’s and Doug graduated from Knoxville High School in 1940, where he was inducted into their Hall of Fame this past April. Prior to WWII, he worked as a short order cook and then a draftsman for TVA. Doug was drafted and then served as a Navigator and 2nd Lt. in the United Stated Air force at Langley Field. After the war, he returned to Knoxville to teach statistics at the University of Tennessee. It was during this time that Doug met the love of his life while she was sledding and caught his eye in her red coat. Evelyn and Doug were married for 63 years and brought four beautiful children into this world. Well known in the Furniture Industry, Doug’s entrepreneurial spirit and keen business sense led him to open Modernday Furniture in the Bearden area in 1951, after working at Sterchi Bros. furniture. Always striving to achieve greatness, he envisioned a high-end design store and in 1959, Wellington Galleries was established. In 1971, this “modern day” businessman once again defied the odds and after having been inspired to travel all over the country in search of new ideas, he created Brown Squirrel Furniture Warehouse and Showroom, a concept new to East Tennessee. 45 years later, Brown Squirrel continues to grow in the hands of 2nd and 3rd generations. Doug was an inventor, an engineer, an architect, an avid golfer and tennis player but most importantly a kind, generous, and loving son, brother, husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather and friend. His last words to his loved ones were all about LOVE. Doug is survived by his sister, Beverly Grubb of Kennesaw, Ga.; children, son Doug Matthews, Jr. and wife Leslie, daughter Gerry Larkin and husband Lynn, daughter Julie Matthews Holberg, son Preston Matthews and wife Irene, all of Knoxville; grandchildren, Crosby, Kyle, and Caroline Matthews, Preston Larkin and Sunny Woody, Sven and Karsten Holberg, Jess Markway, Tom and Ellie Matthews; great grandchildren, Elizabeth Grace “Buggy” Woody and Kyle “Boo” Markway, Jr. The family would like to extend their love and gratitude to the wonderful staff at the Life Care Center of Blount County and the amazing caregivers he loved so dearly with Stay at Home Health Care. A Celebration of Doug's life will be held 5 PM Friday, August 5, 2016 at Sequoyah Hills Presbyterian Church with the Reverend Dr. L. Holton Siegling Jr. and the Reverend Mark Lampley officiating. Receiving friends immediately following in the Barron Hall. Close friends and family will gather on Saturday, August 6, 2016 at Highland Memorial Cemetery for a 10am Graveside service with full military honors. In lieu of flowers, donations in Doug’s name can be made to: Sequoyah Hills Presbyterian Church 3700 Keowee Ave SW, Knoxville, TN 37919, and/or a Veteran’s charity of your choice. Online condolences at www.rosemortuary.com

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Mr. Douglas E. Matthews

August 1, 2016