Charles Matthews

LOOKOUT MOUNTAIN Charles Tyler Matthews, the devoted husband of Cameron Crates Matthews and father of Tyler Marie Matthews and Eric Parker Matthews was killed on Saturday, May 26, 2012, when the plane he was piloting crashed just above Trenton, Ga.There is some small comfort knowing that Charles died doing what he loved.An accomplished pilot, Charles began his distinguished aviation career by soloing a sailplane at age 14 culminating with his Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) certificate before serving with domestic and international carriers. He also held several other ratings, including a seaplane certificate that allowed him to serve as the youngest captain ever of the scheduled carrier Virgin Islands Seaplane Shuttle. Following his career in aviation he joined his father-in-law Dan M. Crates as president of Crates Leather, an award-winning manufacturer of high-end western saddles,He attended the McCallie School, St. Andrews/Sewanee, and Middle Tennessee State University.He is survived by his wife and children, as well as his parents, Betty M. Matthews and Arthur P. Matthews Jr.; his in-laws, Daniel M. Crates and Elise A. Crates; his sister, Elizabeth Matthews Davenport (Bobby); niece, Elizabeth Helen Davenport; nephews,Bradley Robert Davenport and Charles Elliott Davenport. There are also several other aunts, uncles and cousins scattered around the globe, and, of course, dozens of friends who will miss terribly his kind heart, to terrific charm, and quick wit.A memorial service to celebrate his life will be held at 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, June 2.Personal friend from St. Andrews/Sewanee David Tharp and business associate from Crates Leather, Pastor Ronnie Millican, will officiate at the memorial service that will be held at the White Barn on the hill at Mountain Cove Farms The address is 994 Dougherty Gap Road, Chickamauga GA 30707.Visitation will be at the barn from 10:30-11:30 a.m. followed by a brief service at this location, which is exactly 26.5 miles south of Chattanooga beginning at the Georgia state line on Georgia Highway 193 south of St. Elmo to West Cove Road and Dougherty Gap Road.Donations to your favorite charity are requested in lieu of flowers.Wann Funeral Home is making arrangements.