Ben Matherly

The Reverend Benny (Ben) Matherly, United Methodist pastor, passed away March 5, 2020, at the age of 77 after an extended period of dealing with lung problems.

Reverend Ben was born and grew up in Kingsport, TN. After high school and serving in the US Army, he went to work at the Tennessee Eastman Company in Kingsport, retiring after 15 years, answering his call into the ministry. He earned his college degree from Tennessee Wesleyan College and his Master’s Degree from Candler School of Theology, Emory University. He served as a United Methodist pastor for 41 years. He was blessed by and loved all the churches and people he served as pastor.

His ministry appointments were all in the East Tennessee area. Kingsport District: Chalybeate Springs & Lebanon, Cleveland District: Goodfield Circuit, Niota, Wesley Memorial/Etowah, Morristown District: Rutledge, Chattanooga District: Whitwell, Red Hill, Brooks, Dunlap, Fort Oglethorpe Ga, Wesley Memorial/East Brainerd. After retirement, he closed his active ministry as one of the ministers at Christ UMC, East Brainerd.

During his time as pastor, he often served as one of the weekly ministers working with the youth at Camp Lookout. Many called him ‘Magic Man’ from his puppetry and the illusions he performed to tell the Gospel story. Ben was also an avid golfer and a 2nd degree Black Belt in Tai Kwon Do.

He is survived by his loving wife, Elaine Matherly; daughter, Angela Manis; son, Kevin Matherly; granddaughters, April Flowers, Shanna Guinn; great granddaughters, Chloe, Isabella, and bonus children; daughter, Michelle Burkett; grandson, Isaiah Orta; son, Chris Burkett; and sister, Elaine Netherland.

A funeral service will be held at 5 PM on Sunday, March 8 at Christ United Methodist Church with Rev. Nathan Malone, Rev. Charles Harrison, and Rev. Dale Wyrick officiating. The family will receive friends an hour prior to the service. Lee Lester, Steve Kizziah, Tommy Daniel, Matt Combs, David Wyrick, and Keith Sands serving as pallbearers. The family request all Holston Conference active and retired clergy serve as honorary pallbearers.

A graveside service will be held at 11 AM on Monday, March 9 at Chattanooga National Cemetery with military honors.

In lieu of flowers contributions can be made to Camp Lookout at www.camplookout.com Please visit www.heritagechattanooga.com to share words of comfort to the family.

The family will receive friends on Saturday, March 7 from 5-7 PM at Heritage Funeral Home, 7454 E. Brainerd Rd.