Mat Murphy Hastings Jr. passed peacefully at his home on April 17, 2021. His heart was not as strong as his spirit and he departed this earthly life that morning.

Born July 1, 1949 to Mat and Madeline Hastings of Eva, TN he grew up along the Tennessee River with his 7 brothers and sisters helping his parents sharecrop and commercially fish the local waterway.

Mat is survived by his wife of 48 years, Sherry Wall Hastings; daughter Candace (Eric) Cockrell; and two adoring grandsons, Evan and Grant.

Mat volunteered to serve our country and completed two tours in Vietnam before returning home with a Purple Heart to meet and marry the love of his life, Sherry. Mat was a man of many talents and enjoyed drawing and woodworking. Before retiring, he was a dedicated employee who would arrive at work hours early to have time to spend on his drawings before the day began.

He was a resident of Fairview, TN for 46 years. Never meeting a stranger, he loved to talk and tell stories, always including the smallest details. Mat loved the outdoors and collected many of his stories from his time hunting and fishing.

In remembrance of Mat's blessed life, the family will be planning a celebration of life event that will be announced at a later time.