Tommy "Elvis" Matthews, age 58, formerly of Bunkie

Born 10-18-1952  Died 2-4-2011

Mount Airy, North Carolina - Tommy Matthews was born on October 18th in 1952 and died on February 4, 2011 at the age of 58 years old. He was formally a Bunkie resident, but at the time of his passing, he and his wife Peggy were living in Mount Airy, North Carolina . He will be laid to rest in a veteran’s cemetery in Mount Airy.

Tommy attended and graduated from Bunkie High School. He then enlisted in the United States Navy, where he would serve his Country proudly. He spent most of his military time on the water, as he was a Lieutenant aboard the air craft carrier, USS Saratoga, during the Vietnam War. Matthews worked as a detention officer in the United States Immigration and Naturalization Service in Oakdale, after his return from the U.S. Navy. He worked in USINS for six years.

Tommy would often perform legendary Elvis songs at charity events, nursing homes, for the elderly and in hospitals for people of all ages. His biggest thrill as an Elvis Presley impersonator was when he competed in a  National Elvis impersonation contest, which he won, and the prize for winning the event landed him a part in the movie “The Firm” that was created in 1993. The movie featured Tom Cruise, as its main actor. Tommy’s character name in the movie was “Elvis Aaron Hemphill.”

He was preceded in death by his mother Madie Matthews of Bunkie, and his sister, Geneva Matthews East of Evergreen.

He is survived by his wife, Peggy Matthews of Mount Airy, North Carolina; and three sons, Joshua Matthews of Pineville, Tommy Matthews Jr. of North Carolina and Trevor Matthews of Mamou.

Source: Avoyellestoday.com Feb. 6, 2011