Randall Matney Obituary

JOHNSON CITY - Randall Sherman Matney (Randy), age 72, of Johnson City, TN, passed away peacefully at home following a brief illness on November 7, 2023.

Randy was the son of the late Sherman and Peggy Charles Matney of Grundy, Virginia. He was a graduate of Grundy Senior High School, Milligan University and Johnson University. Randy also attended ETSU, Atlanta Christian College and Emmanuel Christian Seminary.

In his first career as a Certified Public Accountant, he was employed by Dent K. Burk Associates in Bristol TN, Lewis Robinson and Associates, Floyd and Stacy CPAs, and Goldstein and Sons, all of Griffin, GA. His accounting specialty was tax and auditing. He began his second career with a desire to have his talents used for his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Not knowing how his gifts might be used, Randy spent 2 years in Biblical and preaching study at Johnson Bible College, now Johnson University, in Kimberlin Heights, TN. Upon graduation in 1984 he was called to Emmanuel Christian Seminary in Johnson City to use his accounting, finance and technology skills. Randy served at Emmanuel for 20 years., retiring as Vice President of Finance and Data Processing. He continued to use his business skills for other Christian organizations including Atlanta Christian College, Roanoke Bible College and Park Springs Christian Camp and Retreat Center. Randy has held ministries at Keenerville Christian Church (NC) and Fall Branch Christian Church (TN). He served on the board of several churches and organizations including Appalachian Christian Camp, East Tennessee Christian Men's Fellowship, Martindale Recreation, and others. His mission was always the responsible stewardship of the financial resources available for the Lord's work in every situation.

Randy enjoyed fishing and golf. He loved his regular spring and fall fishing trips to Georgia and South Carolina with his special fishing buddy Roy Smith of Abbeville, SC. They fished and camped twice a year for well over 35 years. Their meeting was by chance in a South Carolina campground where Roy had a camper and Randy had a boat and a crockpot. They spent many days fishing and evenings around a campfire talking about God, listening to gospel music and occasionally singing along.

In addition to his parents, Randy was preceded in death by his brother, David Matney of Grundy, VA.

He is survived by his loving wife of 52 years, Laura Caley Matney; two daughters, Sara Reed and husband Brad, Johnson City, Alison Stamper and husband Joshua, Carlton MN; four grandchildren, Bowen Reed, Ansley Reed, Jasper Stamper, and Griffin Stamper; one brother, Doug Matney and wife Connie, Louisa, VA; one sister-in-law, Debi Matney, Bristol TN; several nieces and nephews.

A Celebration of Randy's Life will be held Saturday, November 18, 2023, at 3:00 P.M., in Boones Creek Christian Church.

The family will receive friends at the church prior to the service from 1:00 – 3:00 P.M.

There will be a private committal service and inurnment at The Garden Chapel of the Risen Lord on the Emmanuel Christian Seminary campus at Milligan College.

The family wishes to thank the doctors and staff of The Spine Center (6400) at the Johnson City Medical Center, Amedisys Hospice, our Boones Creek Christian Church family, and especially our private at home care givers for their compassionate care of Randy and the entire family during this difficult time.

In lieu of flowers please consider memorial donations to Milligan College, Johnson University, or Boones Creek Christian Church.

Memories and condolences may be shared at www.appfh.net.

Appalachian Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Johnson City, is honored to serve the Matney family.

(928-6111)