Robert E. "Bob" Matthews, 74, of Niota, died Tuesday, April 7, 2009, in Athens.

A native and lifelong resident of McMinn County, he was a son of the late Bruce Matthews and Blanche Raper Matthews Knox, and was preceded in death by his wife, Mattie Jane Bryant Matthews, on July 16, 1990; and one brother, Arthur Don Matthews, on Sept. 20, 2008. He was a retired carpenter, having worked locally and in Knoxville and Chattanooga. He was a member of East Niota Baptist Church.

Survivors include one son and daughter-in-law, Terry and Kim E. Matthews of Athens; one brother and two sisters-in-law, Hubert and Alice Ann Matthews of Niota, and Ann Matthews of Sweetwater; one grandson and wife, Michael and Kristine Strope of Athens; one great-granddaughter, Addison Strope of Athens; and several nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be 8 p.m. Thursday in the chapel of Laycock-Hobbs Funeral Home with the Rev. Bob Kelley and the Rev. Ray Maynard officiating. Graveside services will be 2 p.m. Friday at Niota Cemetery.

Active pallbearers will be O.B. Cobble, Yale Knox and Paul Brakebill.

The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home.

Those unable to attend may send condolencesto mailto:condolences@laycock-hobbs.com