T. Patrick Matus

July 18, 2023

CHARLOTTE- T. Patrick “Pat” Matus, of Charlotte, NC, peacefully passed away surrounded by family on Tuesday, July 18, 2023, at the age of 76 after a short, unexpected battle with pancreatic cancer.

Pat was born on February 13th, 1947, to Theodore and Myrtle Matus in Gaffney, SC.  After spending the majority of his childhood in Charlotte, Pat graduated from Cullowhee High School, going on to study law at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Pat was a practicing attorney in Charlotte for over 50 years, which included 8 years as a District Court judge. “The Judge” was a loved and respected part of the Charlotte tapestry.

A born and bred Tar Heel, Pat rarely missed a game even when the Heels were on a losing streak. He shared his love of hiking, camping, and canoeing with his friends and family, completing most of the Appalachian Trail over the course of his life.  A self-proclaimed Deadhead and a natural storyteller with a wonderful and sometimes dark sense of humor, there was rarely a day for Pat that did not include laughter.  Let the record show, his contribution to this obituary was to include the statement, “May I request a continuance.”

Pat met his beloved wife of 52 years, Linda, at UNC-Chapel Hill where they also married. They went on to have three beautiful children, Jennifer, Suzanne, and Nicholas.

He is survived by his wife, Linda; his daughters Jennifer and her husband Sterling Krueger and Suzanne Matus; his son Nicholas Matus and his wife Carrie; his two grandchildren Ryder and Barrett Matus; his sisters Marilyn Howell and husband Jim and Paula Brandt and husband Jeff; his aunt Elizabeth “Lib” Hunter, and numerous, dearly loved nephews, nieces, and cousins. Pat was predeceased by his father, Theodore Patrick Matus and mother, Myrtle Salmon Matus.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Appalachian Trail Conservancy 799 Washington Street, PO Box 807, Harpers Ferry, WV 25425 Donate to ATC (clickandpledge.com) or VIA Health Partners 7845 Little Avenue, Charlotte, NC 28226 Donating & Giving | VIA Giving. A private celebration of life will be held by the family.

Arrangements are in the care of Kenneth W. Poe Funeral & Cremation Service, 1321 Berkeley Ave., Charlotte, NC; 28204 (704) 641-7606. Online condolences can be shared at www.kennethpoeservices.com.

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  • Kate Palo

    Pat was one of my best patients! I miss his jokes and our talks about Carolina basketballl.

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  • Susan Blair

    I worked with Pat at Essex Richards in the late 1990's. I was an administrative assistant for Lisa Kelly. He was a delightful man and was always quick with a joke to make you smile. I remember those god awful "Peeps" he brought to everyone in the firm at Easter. He also helped me with a speeding ticket! I was very sad to hear of Pat's passing. I pray for his family and friends peace, strength, and love for the months and years to come.

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  • Rick Lail

    My Friend, you will be missed.

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  • Donald Cureton, Jr.

    My sincere condolences to the family on your loss. I sincerely cherish my numerous conversations with Pat during the early years of my career. He was always kind and willing to take the time to provide words of encouragement and wisdom. He will be missed.

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  • Terry Sherrill

    Pat was a dear friend and colleague. I, too, am a Tarheel born and bred; so we shared that fanaticism. We were on the bench together for a while also. Though I saw him only occasionally in recent years, he never avoided speaking and always had nice words to share. My prayers and condolences to the family.

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  • Oliver Noble

    I am very sorry to learn that Pat has died. May his joyous spirit and his gift for the law and justice live on forever.

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  • Judge David Cayer

    I knew Pat as judge and lawyer but most importantly as friend. We often ran into each other at our favorite dining haunts too. God bless his family during this sad time.

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  • Donna Weaver

    Suzanne and Nick,
    Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this sad time. Condolences to your whole family.
    With love,
    Donna Weaver
    Katie Weaver Macomber

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  • Will Granger

    I am sorry to see his obituary. He will be missed! Short story: I was testifying as an expert witness in his court way back. Pat was writing something as I took the stand not looking up to acknowledge that we were friends. After I sat down, he raised the back of his legal pad toward me where he had inked big letters, "State Sucks," I could barely contain myself as he smiled slightly and said, "We may proceed." Thats's Pat. Love the guy!

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  • Richard Boner

    I am saddened by the news of Pat’s death. We have been friends since 1967 when we were both residents of Ruffin Dormitory at UNC Chapel Hill. Pat was a respected and well-liked lawyer and judge. I extend to Linda and their children my sincere sympathy. May God comfort you in the days ahead.

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