Robert J. "Dickie" Mathews, Gospel Music's Pianist, Has Died

Robert J. "Dickie" Mathews has passed away on Sunday, Feb. 1, 2015, at his home after a lengthy illness. He was 81.  Matthews was a prolific piano player for quartets such as the Homeland Harmony, Crusaders, Jimmy Jones and the Deep South Quartet, the Downings, the Scenicland Quartet, Roger Horne Trio and the Impacts. Also, he was privileged to play for such notables as Jimmy Dean, Patsy Cline, Stewart Hamblin and Elvis Presley. Most recently, he enjoyed 25 years of playing the Calliope and being a member of the Riverboat Ramblers Band on the Southern Belle Riverboat in Chattanooga. 

Dickie has been recognized several times throughout his career with such honors as the Distinguished Citizen Award for the Hamilton County Commission, the Gospel Music Piano Roll of Honor and the Living Legend Award of Gospel Music. He was a graduate of John A. Gupton School of Mortuary Science and worked as a Funeral Director for Chattanooga Funeral Home for over 30 years. 

Dickie was preceded in death by his father and mother, Rev. Ralph R. and Flora Mathews; father-in-law and mother-in-law, David and Jerry Gillespie; brothers-in-law, Ronald and Gerald Gillespie and Leonard Hamrick. He leaves to cherish his memory his wife, Jewell; two daughters, Robben Mathews, Nan Mathews Cook; son-in-law, David Cook and grandson, Mathew Cook. He is also survived by his sister, Nancy Hamrick, Gadsden, Ala.; his brother, Dr. Glenn Mathews and wife, Fleta, of Robbins, N.C.; sister-in-law, Glenda Gillespie, Jasper, Ala.; several nieces and nephews. 

A celebration of life service will be held at 1 pm on Wednesday, Feb. 4, at the funeral home chapel with his brother, Dr. Glenn Mathews, Rev. Dwight Martin and Rev. Wayland Stewart officiating. Entombment will follow in Hamilton Memorial Gardens. 

Memorial contributions may be made in Dickies name to Hearth Hospice, 1800 A Rossville Ave., Suite 7, Chattanooga, TN 37408.  

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