Cover photo for Lawrence Franklin Mathews's Obituary
Lawrence Franklin Mathews Profile Photo
1938 Lawrence 2023

Lawrence Franklin Mathews

May 4, 1938 — January 2, 2023

Lawrence Franklin Mathews, 84, of Cleveland, TN passed away on January 2, 2023. He was born May 4, 1938, son of the late Frank and Susie Mathews.

He is preceded in death by his late wife of 60 years, Linda Mathews; infant daughter Mimi Cheryl, and grandson Chad Mathews.


He leaves behind to cherish his memory two sons and their wives: Brian and Cathy Mathews and Brent and Missy Mathews; grandchildren: Erin Langley, Nathan Mathews (wife Samantha), Austin Mathews and Ashlin Mathews, lovingly called his “Little Darling”; great grandchildren: Cassidy Smith and Calla Mathews; Great- great grandchildren: Ryker, Lelan, Kaven; siblings: Jimmie (Jack) Chase, Calvin (late wife Sharon) Mathews, Sue (Gary) Kimsey. He also leaves behind several nieces, nephews, and extended family members and friends.


He worked at Cooke Manufacturing for 35yrs where he retired. He and Linda also owned and operated the Carousel Antique Mall for 12yrs.


Lawrence was a devoted husband, father and papaw. Lawrence enjoyed traveling the world with the love of his life, Linda.

He was an amazingly wonderful Papaw that loved his grandchildren very well. He loved cheering them on in whatever sport they were playing, football, wrestling, gymnastics, dance and cheerleading, it didn’t matter. He loved going on mission trips to Indian reservations in Canada and South Dakota; to help built a church where those less fortunate could worship the Lord was his delight. He was a member of Mt Olive Ministries and a loyal councilmember.


Lawrence was extremely resilient. He battled 3 different cancers over the last 19 years.


Lawrence was a lover of all things Bradley County and Bradley Central High School! For many years he was a board member of the Bradley Park and Recreation. Lawrence was a Bradley Football booster club member for over 60yrs. He was a co-creator and board member of the Rex Dockery Award. He also played a key role in helping bring excellent coaching for the sport of wrestling, in the 1980’s, to Bradley Central High School. Lawrence was inducted into the Bradley County Old Timers Club Hall of Fame.


His family will receive friends from 12pm until 2pm at Mt. Olive Church of God on Wednesday January 4th with a Celebration of Life Service to follow at 2pm with Gary Sears and Paul Lee officiating.


He will be laid to rest beside his wife, Linda, at Hillcrest Memorial Gardens at 10am on Thursday January 5th.

Pallbearers: Brian Mathews, Nathan Mathews, Austin Mathews, Terrell Bunch, Steve Bunch, Chris Beam, and Brent Mathews.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Mt Olive Ministries Clay Pot to help those less fortunate in the Prospect Community.


To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Lawrence Franklin Mathews, please visit our flower store.

Service Schedule

Past Services

Visitation

Wednesday, January 4, 2023

12:00 - 2:00 pm (Central time)

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Service

Wednesday, January 4, 2023

Starts at 2:00 pm (Central time)

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Graveside

Thursday, January 5, 2023

Starts at 10:00 am (Central time)

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