HAMPTON, VA. Thomas Luther Matthews, Jr. died Thursday, April 7, 2016 at his home. He was born in Hampton, VA April 30, 1942, the son of Thomas L. Matthews, Sr. and Hallie Meades Cobb Matthews. He grew up in Hampton Baptist Church and graduated from Hampton High School in 1960. He held a B.A. in Music from Furman University, 1964, Masters of Music in Organ Performance and Church Music from Northwestern University, 1965, and did Postgraduate work in Organ Performance and Church Music at Northwestern University 1965-1968. While a Captain in the U.S. Army in Fort Riley, Kansas and Seoul, South Korea from 1968 – 1971, he was Organist and Choir Director for the Main Post Chapel, Bandmaster for 24th Infantry Division Band, and Director of the Sosa Orphanage Children's Choir in Seoul.

Tom served many churches as organist and/or choir director, among them First Presbyterian Church, Hampton (1958-1960), Emory Baptist Church, Atlanta, GA (1971-1975), Rock Spring Presbyterian Church, Atlanta, GA (1977-2000). He also was keyboard accompanist for the Furman University Singers and Northwestern University Concert Choir and the University Choral Union. He was a member of the Atlanta Symphony Chorus and the Chamber Chorus under the direction of Robert Shaw, and studied under Shaw and Conductor Louis Lane. In 2000, he returned to Hampton Baptist Church as Minister of Music (Organist/Choirmaster), a position he held until his death. Tom is survived by his wife, Wanda Roark Matthews, former wife Karen Stovall of Atlanta, two sons, Toby Matthews (wife Deborah) and Bart Matthews, both of Durham, N.C., stepson John Roark Ledbetter (wife Kristen) of Newport News, brothers Ken Matthews (wife Sandy) and Hal Matthews (wife Peggy) and five nieces and nephews: Cary, Lindsey, Reid, Sara, and Shelley.

Tom was a man of immense musical talent and energy. He loved making music, especially with others, which was a spiritual practice for him. While leading choirs, he insisted on precision without compromising musicality. He was a vital, energetic man who loved his family, church and choirs, and a wealth of friends. He enjoyed Furman sports, good food, craft beers, and working in the yard (except for pesky magnolia leaves).

A Memorial Celebration of his life will be held at Hampton Baptist Church on April 30 at 11:00 am. In lieu of flowers, gifts may be given to Music Endowment Fund at Hampton Baptist Church, 40 Kings Way, Hampton, VA  23669.