Joel Matthews, Jr.

Born in Nashville, TN on August 6, 1956 Departed on May 12, 2019 and resided in Hendersonville, TN Gathering of Family & Friends: Hendersonville Funeral HomeFriday May 17, 2019 11:00am to 1:00pmA Celebration of Life: Hendersonville Funeral HomeFriday May 17, 2019 1:00pm to 2:00pm

Joel Arliss "Matt" Matthews passed away in his bed May 12, 2019, a quiet Sunday afternoon.

He was born August 6, 1956 to Joel Arliss Matthews Sr, and Glenda Vanderpool Matthews, in the heart of Nashville, Tennessee. In the following sixty-two years he graduated from Cohn High School in 1973 and went on to have a successful and lengthy career in retail field leadership concluding at Dollar General.

Joel had many passions, but none greater than the love he had for his family. He loved music. He played bass guitar with his son, and collected and repaired vintage audio equipment. He had a special appreciation for sixties-era music including Hendrix, Zeppelin and the Beatles. Joel shared this love with his wife and soulmate, Mary Alice Reep Kirby, who in turn shared with him a love for travel. This paired well with his spirit, and together they attended concerts internationally.

Joel will be remembered by his enormous heart, his great sense of humor, and his unique and creative spirit.

In addition to his parents, Joel was preceded in death by his son, Joel Franklin Matthews, and his sister, Pat O'Neil. Survivors include his wife, Mary Alice Reep Kirby; a daughter, Jennifer Becker; grandchildren Heather Matthews, Yvonne Matthews, Christopher Becker, Sophie Becker and Chloe Yonkosky; sisters Tina White, and Darlene Hope; and a nephew whom he loved like a son, Michael Nevin. Several nieces and nephews also survive.

A celebration of his life will be held Friday, May 17, 2019, at 1:00 p.m., at Hendersonville Funeral Home. Gathering of family and friends will be held Friday from 11:00 a.m. until the funeral hour, also at Hendersonville Funeral Home.

Flowers will be accepted or memorial contributions may be made to Dollar General Literacy Foundation P.O. Box 1064 Goodlettsville, TN 37070-1064.

Visit the online obituary www.hendersonvillefh.com to post tributes and share memories.

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