Colonel Joe B Matthews

View Video Tributewww.oakesandnichols.comHe was the son of the late Bedford ("Buck") and Maggie Cheatham Matthews of McCains.Colonel Matthews retired from the U.S. Army in 1982 after 35 years of service. He enlisted in 1947 and was commissioned an officer in 1950. He commanded a company for six years, a battalion for seven years and served the last seven years of his career as Commandant of the Tennessee Military Academy in Smyrna, Tennessee. Among his decorations are the Legion of Merit, the Army Meritorious Service Medal, the Army Commendation Medal, and the Tennessee Distinguished Service Medal.He was a member of the U.S. Defense Committee, the Advisory Board of the American Security Council, the Heritage Foundation, the International Security Council, the Retired Officers Association, the National Guard Association, the American Defense Preparedness Association, and was also an Honorary Life Member of the Tennessee National Guard Enlisted Association.Upon retirement he was made an honorary Sergeant Major at the request of the Non-Commissioned Officer Corp of the Tennessee Army National Guard. He was known throughout the State as "the enlisted man's officer" due to his continual work to solve the enlisted persons' problems and his work in the NCO education program.He was also known nationwide as a collector of Civil War, southern history, and general Americana books.He is survived by his wife, June Spann Matthews of Columbia and daughter JC (Rusty) McCombs of Birmingham. He is also survived by sister-in-law Jane Matthews, nephews Jimmy (Linda) Matthews, Conner (Marjorie) Matthews, William (Linda) Matthews, and John (Earlene) Matthews, and niece Emma Jane Pitts.