10/23/2026
David Franklin Matthews, 78, passed away on October 16, 2026, in Branson, Missouri.
A devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, David lived a life shaped by Christian faith, integrity, ingenuity, and a loving concern for others. Whether serving his country, protecting his community, building something with his hands, or spending time with his family, he gave generously of his abilities and himself.
Born on Sunday, March 7, 1948, in Jackson, Tennessee, David was the son of Clarence and Angie Rice Matthews. He began his education at Malesus School and transferred to J. B. Young in the second grade. He went on to attend South Side High School, graduating in 1966.
David’s resourcefulness and work ethic appeared early. At just eleven years old, he began working at Robins Cigar Co., Inc., an association that continued into his young adulthood. His willingness to work, ability to connect with people, and desire to move forward would remain characteristic of him throughout his life.
At South Side, David distinguished himself as a basketball star, attracting frequent news coverage of his skills. Known as “Duck” for his ability to dunk the basketball, he was well known in the sport for consistently being a high scorer and rebounder. He received a full basketball scholarship and signed with Lambuth College.
During his tenth-grade year, David met the love of his life, Vicky Jo Beard at the Bemis skating rink. They became engaged at Christmas during their senior year and married after graduation on November 5, 1966. That young love grew into a lifetime of shared responsibilities, adventures, faith, and devotion to one another.
David and Vicky built a loving home to raise two beloved daughters while they served their community and found joy in their growing family. During David’s years of illness, Vicky became his dedicated caregiver, tending to him with extraordinary love, patience, and tenderness. Her faithful care reflected the depth of their marriage and the commitment they had made to one another so many years before. They would have celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary on November 5, 2026.
A United States veteran, David began his military service in 1966 and served for seven years, attaining the rank of Sergeant. He served in the Air National Guard in Memphis and Texas and was a member of the 164th Military Airlift Wings. His service under the Department of the Air Force, within the Department of Defense, included work as an Air Policeman and an Aircraft Specialist, while he attended Airman Leadership School.
He completed basic training at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas, and served at Sheppard Air Force Base while he and Vicky lived in nearby Burkburnett. His unit took part in humanitarian “missions of mercy” during its C-124 Globemaster II era, which began in May 1967. David’s military service reflected his patriotism, sense of responsibility, and willingness to contribute to the well-being of others. He was also a member of The American Legion.
While David was working at Robins Cigar Co., former Jackson Mayor Quinton Edmonds recruited him in 1968 to become Manager of the Sporting Goods and Camera Department at Montgomery Ward & Co. He quickly became the store’s top salesperson. Working on commission, he sold so many fi****ms that his earnings exceeded those of the store’s general manager. His success led to his recruitment by R.J. Reynolds To***co Company in late 1970.
In early 1970, David also worked for Gateway Energy Company, LLC, in Houston, Texas, while serving in the Air Force there. His varied work experience reflected his adaptability and willingness to make use of his skills wherever life took him.
David spent ten years with R. J. Reynolds, beginning as an Advertising Agent and later earning promotion to Territorial Sales Manager for the Little Rock, Arkansas, region within the Memphis, Tennessee, division. His creativity, initiative, military leadership training, and ease with people served him well in advertising, sales, and management, just as those qualities would serve him in his later public service and business endeavors.
Around 1970, David and Vicky moved to Carroll County, Tennessee, where they made their home in the Big Buck community for nearly thirty years. They became active members of the community and Union Academy Baptist Church. David was first ordained as a deacon there on June 4, 1972, beginning many years of faithful church leadership and service.
David and Vicky also operated the local Country Mercantile Store in Big Buck. For many years, the store served as a community hub, a place where neighbors gathered, news was shared, and friendships grew. Their work there became another way of caring for the people around them and contributing to the life of the community they loved.
David later devoted thirty-one years to law enforcement, serving in a variety of roles that called upon his integrity, practical judgment, and attention to detail. He served many volunteer roles within and around his community. He served on the Tennessee Drug Task Force and a Criminal Investigator for the District Attorney General’s Office. He photographed and recorded video of crime scenes and taught many training classes in a variety of areas. Among his other varied assignments was driving actress Dixie Carter during the Just Say No Campaign.
Throughout those years, David especially valued the close friendships he formed with so many of his colleagues at the Carroll County Sheriff’s Office. His work in law enforcement was an expression of his love for his community: he wanted to protect his neighbors, help people in difficult circumstances, and contribute to a safer place for families to live.
Recognizing the needs of the rural farming communities, David founded the Big Buck Division of the Carroll County Fire Department to protect local residents and assist surrounding areas. He served as a fire chief and worked in extended local emergency services for many years. He also served on the Civil Defense Response Team and was certified through the National Weather Service as a SKYWARN storm spotter. When there was a need, David looked for a way to meet it.
He described himself as a person who “liked progress.” That simple phrase captured an enduring part of his character. He dedicated himself to the betterment of every community in which he lived, offering ideas, effort, and practical help to make things better for others.
In 1999, David and Vicky moved back to Jackson and joined First Baptist Church Bemis. There, David was also ordained as a Deacon, served on various church committees, and actively participated in the congregation’s life and ministry. A baptized Christian and a member of the Southern Baptist Convention, he lived out his faith through kindness, generosity, and a readiness to serve. His loving spirit and willingness to help gave daily expression to his belief in Jesus Christ.
David and Vicky’s care for their home and community could also be observed in their beautifully maintained yard and elaborate outdoor Christmas decorations. Their displays earned an award from the City of Jackson and brought enjoyment to others. David used his creativity to make his surroundings welcoming and to share the delight of the Christmas season with his neighbors.
An innovator, dreamer, entrepreneur, inventor, craftsman, and artist, David had a remarkable ability to see possibilities and bring ideas to life. He was an excellent mechanic and a skilled carpenter. To his family and friends, it seemed there was nothing he could not repair, improve, or build. His practical talents made him someone others could turn to, and he shared those talents generously.
He crafted rocking horses, toy boxes, toys, rocking chairs, cradles, home décor, and countless memorable items for family and friends. Each gift reflected the thought he gave to its recipient and the care he put into his work. A cradle, a rocking horse, a bookshelf, or a handmade toy became more than a useful object; it became something of David to hold onto and pass along.
His artistic skills and entrepreneurial spirit also led him to design and print custom apparel and branded merchandise for local race car drivers, sports teams, colleges, and universities. He enjoyed combining imagination with craftsmanship, creating things that people could use, wear, and take pride in.
David loved music and found another creative outlet in songwriting. He wrote many songs with friends, especially Ricky Davis at Sadie Lou Music. They often traveled to Nashville to pitch their songs, sharing the hopes, effort, and enjoyment of making music together. He also authored poems and personal letters to loved ones, leaving his family words that continue to carry his humor, affection, and his voice.
His life included memorable friendships and encounters with well-known performers. After Carl Perkins returned from a European tour, as his popularity was growing in the United States, he came home to Jackson. David took Carl around to local stores and businesses, where they took photographs with all the owners and mangers who would put up photographs of Carl in their businesses. The two became close buddies on their excursions.
David also fondly recalled a humorous encounter with Elvis Presley while the two were hospitalized in Memphis. Elvis occupied an entire wing of the floor, while David stayed in the opposite wing, connected by a nurses’ station. They met at the nurses’ station and talked. David remembered how funny it was to see all the windows covered with aluminum foil so no one could see inside.
David loved antique cars and also enjoyed the excitement, work, and friendships of the racetrack. He served as head track official for Memphis Motorsports at the Clay Hill and Milan tracks. Racing also became one of the many interests he shared with his family, giving them special times together and stories to remember.
A gentleman with a composed manner and a kind heart, David got along well with others and was both well liked and deeply loved. He could be quiet and thoughtful, yet at other times become the life of the room. He enjoyed being funny, telling jokes, and playfully teasing those he loved. People were drawn to his warmth, humor, and willingness to help.
He had a tender affection for animals. Over the years, his companions included several pet squirrels and a pet raccoon. He and Vicky sometimes raised farm animals, but once those animals were named, they often became pets. Together, they also grew their own fruits and vegetables, finding satisfaction in the work and in providing for their family.
For David, caring for his family remained consistently woven into everyday life. Growing food, making repairs, building something for a child, writing poems for his wife, or sharing time outdoors were practical expressions of his love. Hunting and fishing offered opportunities to spend time together, share his knowledge, and enjoy one another’s company. His skills made family life richer, and his attention made those ordinary moments meaningful.
David took numerous trips with his loving family. He especially enjoyed time in Branson and Florida, taking cruises, and travel to Italy. Whether exploring somewhere new or returning to a favorite place, his greatest pleasure was having his family with him.
Above all, he cherished his family. A day hunting or fishing, an afternoon at the racetrack, a family trip, or time at home simply playing with his grandchildren or great grandchildren could bring him immense happiness. His favorite thing was being with his family. He gave them laughter, affection, his time, and the steady reassurance of his love. The memories they made together are among the most enduring gifts of his life.
He is survived by his beloved wife, Vicky Jo Beard Matthews; his daughters, Cynthia Grawemeyer (Rudy) of Memphis, Tennessee, and Fort Worth, Texas, and Wendi Maxey (Todd) of Dresden, Tennessee; and six cherished grandchildren: Courtney Vandiver (Jacob) of Vancouver, Canada; Emily Alagic (Mirza) of Jackson, Tennessee; Olivia Friddle Thomas of Memphis, Tennessee; Leah Murphy of Fort Worth, Texas; Austin Maxey (Lauren) of Palmersville, Tennessee; and Parker Maxey (Addison) of Martin, Tennessee.
He also leaves twelve beloved great-grandchildren; his sister, Mary Ann Cooper (Monte) of Jackson, Tennessee; his sister-in-law, Patty Reynolds (Dewayne) of Pickwick, Tennessee; his brother-in-law, Kirk Beard (Betty) of Highland, Indiana; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and treasured friends.
David leaves a legacy of faithful service, creativity, integrity, and love expressed in action. It lives on in the communities he helped strengthen, the friendships he treasured, the songs and letters he wrote, the things he built, and the family he loved so deeply. His loved ones will remember his gentle strength, his laughter, and his readiness to lend a hand. As they mourn his absence, they take comfort in the promise of eternal life through Jesus Christ and the hope of a joyful reunion.
Funeral Arrangements
Monday, October 26, 2026
Location
First Baptist Church Bemis
116 Bemis Lane
Jackson, Tennessee
Visitation
9:30 a.m.–noon
Funeral Service
Noon
Officiant: John R. Gaters
Interment
Ridgecrest Cemetery, immediately following the funeral service.
Pallbearers
Austin Maxey, Parker Maxey, Sam Vandiver, Noah Vandiver, Mirza Alagic, Richard Sizemore, Todd Maxey, Jamie Brinkley, Darryl Singleton, and Don Friddle.
Honorary Pallbearers
Deacons of First Baptist Church Bemis.
Luncheon and Fellowship
Family and friends are warmly invited to return to First Baptist Church Bemis immediately following interment for a luncheon and a time to share memories with the family.
Memorial Donations
Memorial donations may be made in David’s name to First Baptist Church Bemis or the American Cancer Society.
Funeral Home
Smith Funeral Home South is assisting the family with funeral arrangements.
