Jon Barry Matthews of Portland, TN passed away peacefully at home on October 16th, 2024 after a long battle with cancer.
Mr. Matthews was born in Chicago, IL on April 25th, 1949 to the late Franklin Elliott Matthews & the late Alice Charlene Pool.
Barry spent the majority of his 35-year career in private security at Opryland USA theme park, rising through the ranks to become Chief of Security Operations. Barry’s expertise, dedication and personable nature made him a respected leader. He was a member of the Advisory Board at Nashville Tech for their Police Science Program and was also involved with training law enforcement officers internationally in Bosnia. He retired after serving ten years as Security Supervisor at Sumner Regional Medical Center. Barry’s experience instilled in him a deep appreciation and respect for all who serve in law enforcement, fire safety, and the military.
Barry loved to travel, especially cruising the Caribbean aboard a Carnival ship, where he made friends with almost all of the crew members, and organizing family trips to Gatlinburg, where visits to the Donut Friar and Fannie Farkles were a must. He appreciated a good home-cooked meal and enjoyed trying new recipes and sharing photos of his creations with his family. He was a faithful fan of the Tennessee Vols and Tennessee Titans and loved spending weekends watching the games in front of a fire with his six ounces of wine.
Barry had a soft spot for strays, adopting many pups throughout the years with his beloved wife, Peggy, and their home was filled with love, laughter, and the pitter-patter of paws. A loyal member of the Portland Nazarene Church, Barry found solace in his faith, continuing to watch sermons online when he could no longer attend in person. His greatest joy was his family, and he was happiest when hosting holiday gatherings that brought all of his kin together.
Barry is preceded in death by his parents, Charlene and Elliott Matthews; his brother, Frank Matthews; and son, John Galloway Matthews.
He is survived by his devoted wife Peggy; sons, Jon Barry Matthews, Jr., Raymond Todd Matthews (Tiffany), and James Tavish Matthews (Christy); grandchildren, Jon Matthews, Jessica Shadrake (Reuben), Jackson Matthews, Clara Matthews, and Isabella Matthews; and great-grandchildren, Ava Shadrake, Wyatt Shadrake, and Nirvana Matthews.
Funeral Service for Mr. Matthews will be at 1:00 pm on Monday, October 21st, 2024 at the Portland Nazarene Church with Pastor Matt Taylor officiating.
Visitation for Mr. Matthews will be on Sunday, October 20th, 2024 from 4:00 pm until 8:00 pm and on Monday, October 21st, 2024 from 11:00 am until 1:00 pm at the Portland Nazarene Church. https://www.wilkinsonwiseman.com
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Highland Fire Department, Portland Nazarene Church or the Humane Association, reflecting Barry’s lifelong passions.
Barry’s legacy of service, love for adventure, and kind heart will be remembered fondly by all who knew him.
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