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Virgil “Buddy” Maurice Matthews

April 20, 1929 - February 11, 2025
Service
St. Luke's United Methodist Church
Wednesday 2/26, 3:00 pm
Memorial Service

Virgil Maurice Matthews

April 20, 1929 – February 11, 2025

Virgil (Buddy) Matthews, of Midland, Texas, formerly of Jacksonville, Texas, passed away on February 11, 2025, at the age of 95. Virgil was born April 20, 1929, in Colfax, Texas, to Eugene Matthews and Tillie White Matthews. He was a graduate of Van High School; Tyler Junior College, where he was a member of the basketball team which won a national championship in 1949; and Hardin-Simmons University, where he played basketball and baseball. In 1952, he entered Perkins School of Theology at Southern Methodist University, where he received Master of Theology and Master of Biblical Studies degrees.

After meeting when both were students at Perkins School of Theology, Virgil married Shirley Wittman in 1955. They were married for 66 years until her death in 2021.

Virgil was an ordained elder of the United Methodist Church, and served as pastor of the Emory-Point Circuit and Chandler UMC. In 1957, he became chaplain at Lon Morris College in Jacksonville, Texas, later becoming academic dean, and continuing to teach religion courses at the college each semester for 48 years.

After moving to Midland to be near family, Virgil and Shirley joined St. Luke’s United Methodist Church. Virgil loved his family, opportunities to preach and teach, reading, travel and sports. He was preceded in death by his wife, his parents, two sisters, and six brothers. He is survived by his son, Mark Matthews, his daughter Karen and husband Bill Hardie, grandson Benjamin Hardie, and granddaughter Holland Hardie.

A memorial service will be held at 3:00 p.m., Wednesday, February 26, 2025, at St. Luke’s United Methodist Church, Midland, Texas; and at 11:00 a.m., March 1, 2025, at the Colfax United Methodist Church, Colfax, Texas, with interment following at the Colfax Cemetery.

The family would like to thank the staff and residents of Helen Greathouse Manor for their care and friendship. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR.org).

Arrangements are under the direction of Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home & Crematory of Midland. Online condolences may be made at www.npwelch.com.

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Service
St. Luke's United Methodist Church
Wednesday 2/26, 3:00 pm
Memorial Service

Virgil Maurice Matthews April 20, 1929 – February 11, 2025 Virgil (Buddy) Matthews, of Midland, Texas, formerly of Jacksonville, Texas, passed away on February 11, 2025, at the age of 95. Virgil was born April 20, 1929, in Colfax, Texas, to Eugene Matthews and Tillie White Matthews. He was a graduate of Van High School;Continue Reading

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The Powell Family left a message on February 25, 2025:
Sending love from the Powell family
Peace Lily was purchased for the family of Virgil Matthews by The Powell Family. Send Flowers
A tree was also planted in memory of Virgil Matthews
Sandy Sandate left a message on February 24, 2025:
It is a privilege to share this time as we remember and celebrate the life of your loved one. During this time of grief, we wish you comfort and peace. Hospice of Midland
Bette C. Harris left a message on February 21, 2025:
Karen, Your Dad was a wonderful person and treasured by Lon Morris College. Both he and your mother were very kind and gentle people. So very sorry for your loss, May you find comfort in knowing they are together once again. And your sweet memories comfort and bring a smile to your face. Bette Harris
Donna Brown left a message on February 21, 2025:
Uncle Buddy was loved and admired by so many. Sorry for you loss. Thinking of your family during this difficult time.
Judge Jim and Karen Hawkins Parsons left a message on February 20, 2025:
Lon Morris College Class of '63
Peace Lily was purchased for the family of Virgil Matthews by Judge Jim and Karen Hawkins Parsons. Send Flowers
Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.
Rev. Phil Tarman left a message on February 20, 2025:
In 1961, I enrolled at Lon Morris College to begin my preparation for ministry. While there, I took four semesters of Religious Education with Buddy Matthews. Those courses introduced me to the Bible, to theology, to preaching, and to pastoral care. By the time I finished Perkins School of Theology in 1968, I had served as a student pastor for five years and studied under professors who were widely known. But the one who shaped me the most as a minister was Buddy Matthews. I only had one teacher, from kindergarten to seminary who was close to him. I think about him often.
Mary Hawkins left a message on February 19, 2025:
Dean Matthew’s was such a kind man. He was Dean for me and my two sisters who attended Lon Morris. My sympathies to his family. Mary Hawkins LMC Class of 1985
Rev. Dr. Rita Sims left a message on February 19, 2025:
One of my spiritual fathers, one of my favorite professors and one of my favorite people! The way he talked about and lived his faith was phenomenal. The way he believed in me and encouraged me fueled me and was never forgotten. The earth is now bereft without the man I knew as Dean Matthews. I pray that the Lord will raise up more people like him. My love and prayers go out to Karen and the family.
Barry Barrios left a message on February 19, 2025:
My time @ Lon Morris and memories of Dean Matthews I will always cherish. My sympathies to my classmates Karen & Bill Hardie and all of his family and closest friends. Barry Barrios LMC Class of 1980.
Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home & Crematory left a message:
Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.
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