James Douglas Matthews (Doug) passed away October 11th at Taylor Manor. Doug was born in Versailles, KY on June 20, 1937, to the late George Matthews and Josphine Johnson. Doug graduated from Versailles High School, attended Western Kentucky University where he played football under Coach Jack Clayton. Doug served in the Marine Corps, as a Versailles police officer, and was a member of the Versailles Fire Department.

Doug began his professional career in 1960 with Kentucky Utilities as a meter reader. Over the next 22 years he advanced to several different positions within the company and was named district construction superintendent in 1975 and continued until 1982. In 1982 he began a 25-year career as President of Shely Construction Company and after a merger in 1996 became Senior Vice President of the Davis H. Elliot Company until his retirement in 2007.

Doug was a member of Versailles Baptist Church where he ran the sound for the radio broadcast on Sunday morning for several years. He was an active member of the Woodford County Jaycees having served as President and State Director, a member of the Woodford County Recreation Board. He served several years as a basketball official and was active in the WCHS Boosters Club serving as the President of that organization.

Doug was a Woodford Co Fiscal Court Magistrate, the Woodford County CO- Chairman for the gubernatorial campaign of Martha Layne Collins. He co-led the effort in developing the Woodford County Football Stadium and was instrumental in saving the Woodford County Hospital and supported the continuance of the Jack Jouett House.

Doug was an avid Duck hunter and loved football.

Survivors include his wife of 65 years, Ethelwyn, son, Mark (Gwen) and daughters, Mary Beth Elvidge (Kevin), Melaynie Summers (David) and Meleah Rubio (Ricardo). His sister, Norma Jean McClain. Grandchildren: Jay Matthews (Lyndsay), Alex Matthews (Sarah), Riley Matthews, Keegan Elvidge and Luke Rubio. Great Grandchildren: Harlyn, Raegan and Tyler Matthews, Judah Matthews and several nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be at Versailles Baptist Church, Versailles from 11am-1pm on October 16th with the Funeral following at 1:00pm. The burial will be Versailles Cemetery. Pall bearers will be Ray Goodrich, Bill Collins, Stu Brown, Ben Crain, Heath Dotson, Ted Fouser, Eddie Kegley and Floyd Raglin. Honorary Pall bearers are Rick Wade, Gary Booten, Charley Adams, Allen Dawson, and Greg Wells.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Alzheimer's Association.