Petroplex News

Midland, Feb. 11, 2025 - Virgil Maurice Matthews, known as Buddy, of Midland, Texas, formerly of Jacksonville, Texas, passed away at the age of 95. He was born on April 20, 1929, in Colfax, Texas, to Eugene Matthews and Tillie White Matthews. Virgil was a graduate of Van High School; Tyler Junior College, where he was a member of the national championship-winning basketball team in 1949; and Hardin-Simmons University, where he played basketball and baseball. He later attended Perkins School of Theology at Southern Methodist University, earning Master of Theology and Master of Biblical Studies degrees.

In 1955, Virgil married Shirley Wittman, and they were married for 66 years until her passing in 2021. Virgil served as an ordained elder of the United Methodist Church, worked as a pastor in various capacities, and was an integral part of Lon Morris College in Jacksonville, Texas for many years.

A memorial service will be held in his honor at St. Luke’s United Methodist Church in Midland, Texas, on Feb. 26, 2025, and at Colfax United Methodist Church in Colfax, Texas, on March 1, 2025, followed by interment at Colfax Cemetery.

Virgil is survived by his son Mark Matthews, daughter Karen Hardie with husband Bill, grandson Benjamin Hardie, and granddaughter Holland Hardie. The family has requested that memorial donations be made to the United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR.org).

Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home & Crematory in Midland is handling the arrangements. Condolences can be shared online at www.npwelch.com. To send flowers or plant a tree in memory of Virgil "Buddy" Maurice Matthews, visit the Tribute Store on their website.

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