Thomas Matthews

Thomas Mack Matthews, 81, of Spartanburg, SC, passed away Monday, May 20, 2013, at Emeritus at Skylyn Place. He was born September 12, 1931, at his grandparent's farm home near Taloga, OK, to the late William Thomas "Tom" Matthews and Audrey Steers Matthews. Mack was raised in Taloga and completed his school days there where he was the valedictorian of his graduating class. He then attended Oklahoma State University where he received a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration in 1953 and was a member and officer of Phi Delta Theta Fraternity during his college days in Stillwater. After graduation, he served his country with distinction as a Lieutenant in the Air Force during the Korean War, primarily stationed in Tokyo, Japan. After returning to the United States, Mack accepted a managerial position with AT&T in the Accounting Department, beginning his AT&T career in Chicago and subsequently living and working in several Midwest cities prior to being transferred to the AT&T headquarters in New York City. Upon accepting the position, he purchased a brownstone home in the historic Cobble Hill district and worked in the World Trade Center complex. Later, he moved to Middlebury, CT, and commuted daily to his office in Manhattan until his retirement as division manager in 1985 after 29 years of service. After retiring, Mack had homes and lived in Key West, FL, Lake Lure and Hendersonville, NC, and his present home in Spartanburg, SC. Mack had many, many friends and loved socializing, entertaining, playing bridge, attending the local community theater performances, cars, and his Yorkies. He was loved by his close-knit family and is survived by his partner of 50 years, Larry Milan of Spartanburg, SC; his sister, Maureen Matthews Sellers; his nephew, Michael Sellers and wife Jennifer and the sons, Andrew and Philip; his niece, Melinda Sellers and her daughter Maureen, all of Tulsa, OK; nephew, Kevin Sellers and wife Kathryn of Fountain Hills, AZ, their daughter, Emily Smith and husband Tony of Tempe, AZ; and his nephew Dane Sellers and children, Stefanie and Matthew of Longwood, FL. Mack will be greatly missed and always remembered by his family and friends. There will be a family graveside service at Mound Cemetery in Taloga, OK. A private graveside service will be conducted at 2:00 PM Sunday, May 26, 2013, in Greenlawn Memorial Gardens. Following the service, a Celebration of Life reception to honor Mack will be held at his home. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Alzheimer's Association, 901 S. Pine Street, Spartanburg, SC 29302; Mobile Meals Service, PO Box 461, Spartanburg, SC 29304; Spartanburg Humane Society, 150 Dexter Road, Spartanburg, SC 29303; or to a charity of one's choice. Floyd's North Church Street Chapel To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Thomas Mack Matthews please visit our Sympathy Store.