Thomas Matthew Sullenger
September 12, 1974 -
May 26, 2020

Visitation

Service 

May 29, 2020
2:00pm

Interment

Obituary

It is with regret we announce the passing of Mr. Thomas Matthew Sullenger, age 45 of Fayetteville, TN. Mr. Sullenger was born on September 12, 1974, in Tullahoma, TN to Thomas and Debra Sullenger. Matthew passed away on May 26, 2020 at Lincoln Medical Center.

Matthew was a funeral director at Higgins Funeral Home. He was of the Baptist faith. He loved his boys, his family, and his baseball boys very much. He enjoyed coaching baseball, spending time with family and friends, bass fishing, as well as, making everyone smile. Matthew graduated from Moore County High School. After graduation, he attended Faulkner University, Slidell Baptist Seminary, and graduated from John A. Gupton College of Mortuary Science.

In addition to his parents, survivors include his children, Gavin and Breyer Sullenger, of Huntsville, AL and Joey Hobbs of Fayetteville; brother, Mark Sullenger of Tullahoma; nephew, Miles Sullenger of Winchester; and niece, Courtney Sullenger of Winchester; along with several aunts and uncles.

Graveside services will be conducted at 2PM on Friday, May 29 at Lynchburg Cemetery with Michael Reeves officiating.

In accordance with State of Tennessee Executive Order No. 38 by Governor Bill Lee, social gatherings are limited to no more than 50 participants. For your safety we recommend face coverings, 6 feet social distancing, practicing good hygiene, and remaining home if you feel sick. The family invites you to share memories at higginsfh.com.

Video Services

37 Comments

  1. Misty Brinkley

    I am so sorry for your loss. I went to school with Matthew as well as worked with him at Tullahoma Funeral Home. I have nothing but good memories of him. Praying for peace during this difficult time.

    Reply
  2. Ken Buchanan

    Tommy & Debbie, I am so sorry for your loss. May God comfort you and the other family members during the coming difficult days. Matthew was always a pleasure to be around.

    Reply
  3. William Fox, Tammy Fowler, Javon and Justice

    We are so sorry for your loss. We met Matthew when our sons played ball together and it was like he knew us all his life. I don’t think he ever met a stranger. He will be missed. You are in our thoughts.

    Reply
  4. Martha Johnson

    Matthew was a kind and compassionate person who will be truly missed. His big smile when he talked about his boys is something I will always remember. May his legacy live on in the lives of those who were blessed to know him.

    Reply
  5. Vincent Buchanan

    Matthew was like a second dad to me, he taught me how to fish and how to camp and just made me feel at home. I’ll never forget our times in baseball. He was just an amazing person in general.

    Reply
  6. Mary Partin

    Tommy, Debbie, & families, we are so sorry for your loss. Our heart breaks for you all. You all are in our thoughts & prayers. God Bless you all, Mary, Teresa Partin, & Billy McGehee

    Reply
  7. jamie bean

    Matthew was a good friend great personality with every one will be praying for the family

    Reply
  8. Pam Freeman

    IM so sorry for your loss mathew was loved by everyone.I had the pleasure of working with him at huntsville hospital.

    Reply
  9. Julianne Locker

    Matthew was such special guy, I became friends with him through work. He was a big hearted guy always thinking of others. Even to those who treated him poorly. He was just that kind of guy.
    We always kept in touch even after moving on in life. He will always be remembered as a gentle kind soul to me and many others. You will be greatly missed my friend.

    Reply
  10. Bill Murry an Carol Murry

    Sorry ,too all the families of Matthew especially Debbie ,Tommy ,Mark an his children ,soo sorry ,praying ,love all u guys

    Reply
  11. Bob Burt Jr.

    I met Matthew when we worked at Tullahoma Funeral home. He had just passed the boards to become licensed. He was a great funeral director as well as an embalmer. I will miss him. Prayers for the family.

    Reply
  12. Patty Clouse

    I had the privilege of going to Mortuary school with Matthew. He was always very kind, respectful and encouraging to me. My heartfelt prayers go out to his family, friends and coworkers.

    Reply
  13. Annette dehn

    I’ve known mathew since he was young boy, he sure loved everyone, loved his mama so much, such a gentle spirit, hadn’t seen Mathew in awhile until few months ago, asked him about his family told him tell everyone hello, this saddens my heart, prayers for debbie, tommy, and mark and entire family’d

    Reply
  14. Samantha Grubbs Drake

    So sorry to hear of Matthew’s passing. I hadn’t seen him in a while, but thought of him often. Mark and Matthew were really like brothers to me for a long time. My deepest sympathies for Mark, Debbie, and Tommy. I have always loved you guys.

    Reply
  15. Brandi Ray

    He always kept us laughing at Gupton. Praying for his family.

    Reply
  16. Martha Fanning

    Tommy and Debbie. I am so sorry for the loss of Matthew. My heart breaks for you. You have my sympathy.

    Reply
  17. Tommy Beavers

    Matthew was always smiling and laughing, which was contagious to all around him. Enjoyed him as a student and friend. He did such a fine job working with families and had conducted my aunt’s funeral recently. I enjoyed our talk at Lincoln Cemetery. Prayers going out to the family and children.

    Reply
  18. Charlotte Williams

    My sympathies to Matthew’s family. I first met Matthew when he was going to Gupton Mortuary College and attended our Batesville Plant Tour in Manchester, TN. He was a first class funeral director and all around good person. So sad that he has left us.

    Reply
  19. Tom & Debbie Logan

    May God bless and comfort all of you during this most difficult time.
    Grace and peace,
    Tom and Debbie Logan

    Reply
  20. Minnie L. Henderson

    Extending sincere sympathy to the family during this difficult time ,May God Bless you and give you the comfort and peace you need to carry on in the coming days.

    Reply
  21. Barbara Faulkneer

    I’ve yet to meet anyone as kind and a gentle spirit as Matthew. Having lost a son myself, I share your grief as parents. God bless and comfort your hearts. You’re in my thoughts and prayers.

    Reply
  22. Melinda Dodson

    Matthew was truly one of a kind. He helped me remain calm during storms (literally storms). He made me smile when I would be sad or crying. He done anything and everything he could to brighten my day. He loved the boys so much! That’s all he talked about. The boys, music and tacos. Lol. He will forever remain in my heart. He has left this life leaving an imprint on everyone’s hearts he has touched. Love you always Matthew. Until we meet again.
    My heart are prayers for the boys, his parents and Mark and everyone else he has blessed his life with.

    Reply
  23. Gary and sharan Loux

    We are so sorry to hear this and our prayers are with the family at this time . Gary and sharan Loux

    Reply
  24. farley newton

    I’m really gonna miss him! My heart is so sad, he was wonderful man who loved his family, and loved life!

    Reply
  25. Mandy,Jeremy,Zoey & Marley

    You are in our heart & memories. We will miss you!! I can’t wait to see you again!! We love you!!

    Reply
  26. Lori Gregory

    My deepest sympathies to the family. I went to mortuary school with Matt and he was always a joy to be around we had a special friendship. He will be greatly missed.

    Reply
  27. Daniel trail

    He was such good friend we had a lot of good times he will be missed

    Reply
  28. Kenneth & Diannah Golden

    We are sorry for this loss. Matt helped us so much with the loss of Kenneth’s sister, Sarah. He was so compassionate. Please Lord wrap him up in your arms & give his family peace

    Reply
  29. Tiffany Curry

    I will always remember his tender heart and warm smile.

    Reply
  30. Jesse Shumake (Junior)

    My heart aches. What a wonderful person Matthew was. My thoughts and prayers are with the family during this difficult time. Fly high until we meet again. I love you my brother

    Reply
  31. Debra Metcalf

    So sorry to hear this…my deepest sympathy to Tommy & Debbie…may God comfort you at this very sorrowful time !!

    Reply
    • Cheryl Spelce

      I had the pleasure of working with Matthew in Endoscopy at Huntsville Hospital. He was wonderful to work with. Matthew was a devoted husband and father and he spoke often about his family and his love for them. I am so sorry for the families loss. Matthew will be missed by many!

      Reply
  32. Jeff Gattis

    Matthew was a good friend. He was a hard worker and always made you laugh. My heart felt sympathetic goes out to Tommy, Debbie , Mark and the rest of the family.

    Reply
  33. Rex walker

    May God comfort you all at this time of loss.

    Reply
  34. Rae Steelman

    Matthew was one of my wood vendors and a great and funny man. He would always give me a hard time, jokingly. The last time I spoke with him he was smiling and saying he loved what he was doing and was doing great. He will be truly missed. Prayers for Tommy, Debbie and Mark and for his sons and others touched by him.

    Reply
  35. Jannet Griswold

    He was such a nice person he helped .e out so much when I lost my husband may the 8th he surly will be missed and was a happy person.

    Reply
  36. Holly Burton Smith

    There are no words to express how truly sorry I am to hear of Matthews passing. He was one of a kind and loved by many. He will certainly be missed by everyone.

    Reply

Submit a Comment

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Memories

37 Comments

  1. Misty Brinkley

    I am so sorry for your loss. I went to school with Matthew as well as worked with him at Tullahoma Funeral Home. I have nothing but good memories of him. Praying for peace during this difficult time.

    Reply
  2. Ken Buchanan

    Tommy & Debbie, I am so sorry for your loss. May God comfort you and the other family members during the coming difficult days. Matthew was always a pleasure to be around.

    Reply
  3. William Fox, Tammy Fowler, Javon and Justice

    We are so sorry for your loss. We met Matthew when our sons played ball together and it was like he knew us all his life. I don’t think he ever met a stranger. He will be missed. You are in our thoughts.

    Reply
  4. Martha Johnson

    Matthew was a kind and compassionate person who will be truly missed. His big smile when he talked about his boys is something I will always remember. May his legacy live on in the lives of those who were blessed to know him.

    Reply
  5. Vincent Buchanan

    Matthew was like a second dad to me, he taught me how to fish and how to camp and just made me feel at home. I’ll never forget our times in baseball. He was just an amazing person in general.

    Reply
  6. Mary Partin

    Tommy, Debbie, & families, we are so sorry for your loss. Our heart breaks for you all. You all are in our thoughts & prayers. God Bless you all, Mary, Teresa Partin, & Billy McGehee

    Reply
  7. jamie bean

    Matthew was a good friend great personality with every one will be praying for the family

    Reply
  8. Pam Freeman

    IM so sorry for your loss mathew was loved by everyone.I had the pleasure of working with him at huntsville hospital.

    Reply
  9. Julianne Locker

    Matthew was such special guy, I became friends with him through work. He was a big hearted guy always thinking of others. Even to those who treated him poorly. He was just that kind of guy.
    We always kept in touch even after moving on in life. He will always be remembered as a gentle kind soul to me and many others. You will be greatly missed my friend.

    Reply
  10. Bill Murry an Carol Murry

    Sorry ,too all the families of Matthew especially Debbie ,Tommy ,Mark an his children ,soo sorry ,praying ,love all u guys

    Reply
  11. Bob Burt Jr.

    I met Matthew when we worked at Tullahoma Funeral home. He had just passed the boards to become licensed. He was a great funeral director as well as an embalmer. I will miss him. Prayers for the family.

    Reply
  12. Patty Clouse

    I had the privilege of going to Mortuary school with Matthew. He was always very kind, respectful and encouraging to me. My heartfelt prayers go out to his family, friends and coworkers.

    Reply
  13. Annette dehn

    I’ve known mathew since he was young boy, he sure loved everyone, loved his mama so much, such a gentle spirit, hadn’t seen Mathew in awhile until few months ago, asked him about his family told him tell everyone hello, this saddens my heart, prayers for debbie, tommy, and mark and entire family’d

    Reply
  14. Samantha Grubbs Drake

    So sorry to hear of Matthew’s passing. I hadn’t seen him in a while, but thought of him often. Mark and Matthew were really like brothers to me for a long time. My deepest sympathies for Mark, Debbie, and Tommy. I have always loved you guys.

    Reply
  15. Brandi Ray

    He always kept us laughing at Gupton. Praying for his family.

    Reply
  16. Martha Fanning

    Tommy and Debbie. I am so sorry for the loss of Matthew. My heart breaks for you. You have my sympathy.

    Reply
  17. Tommy Beavers

    Matthew was always smiling and laughing, which was contagious to all around him. Enjoyed him as a student and friend. He did such a fine job working with families and had conducted my aunt’s funeral recently. I enjoyed our talk at Lincoln Cemetery. Prayers going out to the family and children.

    Reply
  18. Charlotte Williams

    My sympathies to Matthew’s family. I first met Matthew when he was going to Gupton Mortuary College and attended our Batesville Plant Tour in Manchester, TN. He was a first class funeral director and all around good person. So sad that he has left us.

    Reply
  19. Tom & Debbie Logan

    May God bless and comfort all of you during this most difficult time.
    Grace and peace,
    Tom and Debbie Logan

    Reply
  20. Minnie L. Henderson

    Extending sincere sympathy to the family during this difficult time ,May God Bless you and give you the comfort and peace you need to carry on in the coming days.

    Reply
  21. Barbara Faulkneer

    I’ve yet to meet anyone as kind and a gentle spirit as Matthew. Having lost a son myself, I share your grief as parents. God bless and comfort your hearts. You’re in my thoughts and prayers.

    Reply
  22. Melinda Dodson

    Matthew was truly one of a kind. He helped me remain calm during storms (literally storms). He made me smile when I would be sad or crying. He done anything and everything he could to brighten my day. He loved the boys so much! That’s all he talked about. The boys, music and tacos. Lol. He will forever remain in my heart. He has left this life leaving an imprint on everyone’s hearts he has touched. Love you always Matthew. Until we meet again.
    My heart are prayers for the boys, his parents and Mark and everyone else he has blessed his life with.

    Reply
  23. Gary and sharan Loux

    We are so sorry to hear this and our prayers are with the family at this time . Gary and sharan Loux

    Reply
  24. farley newton

    I’m really gonna miss him! My heart is so sad, he was wonderful man who loved his family, and loved life!

    Reply
  25. Mandy,Jeremy,Zoey & Marley

    You are in our heart & memories. We will miss you!! I can’t wait to see you again!! We love you!!

    Reply
  26. Lori Gregory

    My deepest sympathies to the family. I went to mortuary school with Matt and he was always a joy to be around we had a special friendship. He will be greatly missed.

    Reply
  27. Daniel trail

    He was such good friend we had a lot of good times he will be missed

    Reply
  28. Kenneth & Diannah Golden

    We are sorry for this loss. Matt helped us so much with the loss of Kenneth’s sister, Sarah. He was so compassionate. Please Lord wrap him up in your arms & give his family peace

    Reply
  29. Tiffany Curry

    I will always remember his tender heart and warm smile.

    Reply
  30. Jesse Shumake (Junior)

    My heart aches. What a wonderful person Matthew was. My thoughts and prayers are with the family during this difficult time. Fly high until we meet again. I love you my brother

    Reply
  31. Debra Metcalf

    So sorry to hear this…my deepest sympathy to Tommy & Debbie…may God comfort you at this very sorrowful time !!

    Reply
    • Cheryl Spelce

      I had the pleasure of working with Matthew in Endoscopy at Huntsville Hospital. He was wonderful to work with. Matthew was a devoted husband and father and he spoke often about his family and his love for them. I am so sorry for the families loss. Matthew will be missed by many!

      Reply
  32. Jeff Gattis

    Matthew was a good friend. He was a hard worker and always made you laugh. My heart felt sympathetic goes out to Tommy, Debbie , Mark and the rest of the family.

    Reply
  33. Rex walker

    May God comfort you all at this time of loss.

    Reply
  34. Rae Steelman

    Matthew was one of my wood vendors and a great and funny man. He would always give me a hard time, jokingly. The last time I spoke with him he was smiling and saying he loved what he was doing and was doing great. He will be truly missed. Prayers for Tommy, Debbie and Mark and for his sons and others touched by him.

    Reply
  35. Jannet Griswold

    He was such a nice person he helped .e out so much when I lost my husband may the 8th he surly will be missed and was a happy person.

    Reply
  36. Holly Burton Smith

    There are no words to express how truly sorry I am to hear of Matthews passing. He was one of a kind and loved by many. He will certainly be missed by everyone.

    Reply

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