Judd Ellis Matheny, son of Ellis Matheny and Judith Ricketts Pickering was born on April 9, 1970 in Knoxville.

As a young teenager, he spent 2 years living in Cameroon Africa with his father, laying the foundation for his future accomplishments. He graduated with Tullahoma High School class of 1988, later earning his B.S. degree in Criminal Justice and Political Science. He served 8 years in the Tennessee Army National Guard. He graduated from the Tennessee Law Enforcement Training Academy, getting hired as a police officer in Baxter TN. He then worked as a K-9 officer and narcotics agent for 4 years. He resigned this position to start up and manage his own security company, Advanced Protective Services, Inc., where he oversaw security for football games, major concerts, and other events. After selling his security company to answer his call to public service, he served 8 full terms (16 years) as a State Representative in district 47. He became the General Manager of Southern Central, a commercial recycling and municipal solid waste company, for 3 years. He was elected Coffee County Mayor in August of 2022, serving only 2 years before his unexpected passing on April 2, 2024 at 53 years old.

Judd is survived by his daughter, Abbey Matheny; son, Aulden Matheny; mother, Judith Pickering (Dave); Father, Ellis Matheny (Moi); three brothers, Jack Matheny, James Matheny (Katheryn-Anne), and Richard Crouch (Whitney); one stepbrother, John Pickering; his dog, Maggie; and his feathered friend, an African Grey named Harley.

Visitation for Mr. Matheny will take place on Tuesday, April 9, from 2 to 6 p.m. at Kilgore Funeral Home. A memorial service will immediately follow at 6 p.m. in the Kilgore Funeral Home chapel. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Coffee County Animal Shelter. All donations should be made payable to the “Coffee County Animal Shelter Construction Project” and mail to the following address: Coffee County Administrative Plaza, Office of Accounts & Budgets, 1329 McArthur Street Suite 5, Manchester, TN 37355; or you may bring your check in person to the Office of Accounts & Budgets.

Kilgore Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Tullahoma News – April 7, 2024