Nashville remembers Bobby Mathews

Fellow downtown boosters offer memories of a man whose impact will be lasting.

Email | Print By Ken Whitehouse

Bobby Mathews

Robert C. H. "Bob" Mathews Jr., chairman of the Mathews Company and R. C. Mathews Contractor, passed away on Thursday at the age of 80.

A legendary figure among Nashville's city leaders, Mathews is survived by his wife, Alice Casey Mathews, sons Robert "Bert" Mathews III and Walker Mathews, daughter Mary Alice Mathews Bohannon, sister Mary Lee Manier, as well as 11 grandchildren.

Besides building a family, he helped build the city of Nashville. There hasn't been much in Nashville over the past half-century that Mathews wasn't involved in either building or renovating. The L&C Tower, the Ryman Auditorium, the Frist Center for the Visual Arts, MetroCenter, the Stahlman Building and the Hermitage Hotel are just a few of landmark locations his company had a hand in.

He also served as chairman of the Metropolitan Nashville Airport Authority for 19 years, overseeing a period of great expansion for both the airport and the city.

Visitation will be held Friday from 3-7 p.m. at West End United Methodist Church, 2200 West End Ave. A memorial service will be held at the same location Saturday, June 7, at 2 p.m.

NashvillePost.com asked a number of people to share their memories of Mathews and of the impact that he made on their lives and that of the city.

We will be updating this article as more people respond to the request, but we also encourage all to add their thoughts to the comments section below, or by e-mail at the author's byline link.

Here are some of the remembrances gathered thus far;

Bobby Mathews never lost faith in Nashville or with Nashville, and that made all the difference for all of us.

— Former Nashville Mayor Bill Purcell

Bobby never limited his thoughts to what was. He always asked what could be. He was the most future-oriented man I have ever met.

— Justin Wilson, former deputy governor of Tennessee

For more than two decades, Mr. Mathews generously gave of his time, talents, and wisdom for the betterment of the Metropolitan Nashville Airport Authority. The Airport Authority is grateful to have had the opportunity to know and work with Mr. Mathews and values and appreciates his innovation, insight, and guidance as he faithfully represented the Airport Authority and Nashville community for many years. The Mathews' family involvement with the Airport Authority also included seven years of service by Mr. Mathews' son, Bert. We extend our deepest sympathy to Bert and the entire family.

— Emily Richard, on behalf of the Metro Nashville Airport Authority

Mr. Mathews was a visionary with an amazing ability to solve problems. His door was always open and he welcomed a chance to offer his ideas and wisdom to find solutions. Indeed, he was a great listener, always willing to share his experiences with others. He will be missed.

— Nate J. Greene, managing partner, NAI Nashville

More than perhaps anyone in business or government, Bobby was a true believer in downtown Nashville. And he put his money where his vision was, too. A great gentleman, whose word you could count on absolutely.

— John Van Mol, founding partner, president, & CEO of PR firm Dye, Van Mol & Lawrence

As a young PR person in Nashville from 1978-88, the firm I worked for represented Mr. Mathews' company providing me the opportunity to be part of many landmark projects that were integral to the growth and success of our community. Some of my memories include touring empty warehouses on somewhat deserted Second Ave. and hearing his vision for what it could become; the ground breaking for One Nashville Place (now US Bank) with a marching band parading down Fourth Ave. and a balloon launch to signify that it was the first of several planned high rise buildings to get out of the ground, and the ground breaking for Grassmere Office Park, using a horse and plow to turn the dirt (I still have my souvenir horseshoe from that event). While I was definitely behind the scenes helping, Mr. Mathews always remembered me and greeted me warmly, even decades later.

— Aileen Katcher, founding partner, Katcher Vaughn & Bailey Public Relations

In late 1988, I was presented with an opportunity to move back to Nashville from Washington, D.C., having just completed an 8-year stint as Al Gore's congressional press secretary. While the opportunity seemed attractive, I had some 11th hour doubts about leaving D.C. and my secure gig in the U.S. Senate... that is, until I had the opportunity to visit privately with Bobby Mathews.

I had been urged by some trusted friends to hear Mr. Mathews share his vision for Nashville's future. He graciously granted me an audience and spent a considerable amount of time easing my doubts by talking about the many opportunities he believed Nashville offered young people of ambition. He also talked frankly with me about the importance of putting roots down in a community of great promise. When all was said and done, it was Mr. Mathews' sincerity and passion for Nashville that sold me on moving here.

That decision changed my life, leading to the blessings of a terrific family and valued friendships.

— Mike Kopp, senior vice president public affairs/strategy, MMA Creative

Bob Mathews is a man who I deeply respected because of his leadership skills, phenomenal commitment to his community and his powerful love for his family and friends. I admired his commitment to always work at improving an already impressive city. He provided his knowledge to elected and appointed government officials because he always wanted what was best for the city. And Nashville is a better environment because of Bob Mathews' overwhelming leadership.

- Deborah Varallo, president of Varallo Public Relations

The one word which best describes RCHM is visionary. His full time interest was scouting the city he loved looking for ways to make it even better. Look at Nashville from any direction and you will find Bobby Mathews footprints...downtown high rises, Metro Center, Grassmere, Second Avenue, the airport and on and on. He built a strong company and his talented sons and daughter will insure that the Mathews name carries on into future generations.

- Eddie Jones, Chamber of Commerce and airport associate.