Bill Mathews (1930-2015) - Bill Mathews is one of our regulars at the Smyth County Jam. He came to us from Russell County, Virginia but now lives in Chilhowie in the Mill Creek area. He has been playing since he was about 10 years old. Bill says his father was an old time claw-hammer banjo picker and a brother played guitar. Bill has played all over the country. He has played back-up for Bill Monroe at one point in time. After thirty years playing, he has pretty well mastered the guitar. Bill is a very strong singer, and can remember a huge amount of songs. Off and on over the years Bill has had bands of his own. One of his four children, a daughter, sings.
In Memorandum
William Wesley "Bill" Mathews CHILHOWIE, Va. William Wesley "Bill" Mathews, age 84, passed away on Saturday, May 16, 2015, at his home in Chilhowie, Va., surrounded by his family. He was born in Russell County, Va., to the late John Fraizer Mathews and Madgie Allyfair Mathews. He was also preceded in death by nine brothers and sisters. He lived in Harford County, Md., for over 30 years and was retired from General Motors in Baltimore, Md. He was an accomplished and passionate bluegrass musician having recorded several albums and played many venues. He was an avid hunter and fisherman and a loving husband, father and grandfather. Survivors include his wife of 63 years, Betty Jane Greer Mathews; children, Eddie Mathews and wife, Ann, of Aberdeen, Md., Allen Mathews and family of Chilhowie, Va., Terri Callaghan and family of Scott Township, Pa., Craig Mathews and family of Chilhowie, Va.; one brother, Paul D. Mathews of Ivanhoe, Va.; one sister, Ella Mae McDonald of Chilhowie, Va.; six grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m.Tuesday, May 19, 2015, at the Bradley's Funeral Chapel in Chilhowie with Pastor Paul Shallenburg officiating. Interment will follow in Laurel Cemetery in Konnarock. The family will receive friends on Monday, May 18, 2015, from 6 until 8 p.m. at the funeral home. Flowers will be appreciated or memorial donations can be made to the American Heart Association. Expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at www.bradleysfh.com. Bradley's Funeral Chapel of Chilhowie is serving the Mathews family.
