| Office | Member of the Georgia House of Representatives |
|---|---|
| Term start 1 | January 10, 1949 |
| Term end 1 | January 10, 1977 |
| Predecessor 1 | Jack R. Wells |
| Successor 1 | Bob Argo |
| Constituency 1 |
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| Birth name | Robert Chappelle Matthews |
| Birth date | November 1, 1908 |
| Birth place | Athens, Georgia, U.S. |
| Death date | November 9, 1986 (aged 78) |
| Death place | Athens, Georgia, U.S. |
| Resting place | Oconee Hill Cemetery |
| Party | Democratic |
| Spouse |
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| Education |
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| Occupation | Lawyer · politician |
Robert Chappelle Matthews (November 1, 1908 – November 9, 1986) was an American lawyer and politician who served in the Georgia House of Representatives from 1949 to 1977.[1] At the time of his retirement, he was the house's dean, its longest serving member.[2] A resident of Athens, Georgia, home of the University of Georgia, he was a longtime supporter of higher education in the state, serving as chair of the Committee on the University System of Georgia for most of his time in the legislature. The University of Georgia's R. Chappelle Matthews Public Service Complex is named in Matthews's honor and contains a sculpture of him, which was dedicated in 2011.[3] Matthews died on November 9, 1986, in Athens, and was buried in Oconee Hill Cemetery.[2]
References
- ^ Georgia Official and Statistical Register, 1975–1976. Atlanta: Perry Communications, Inc. 1976. p. 672. Retrieved April 9, 2025.
- ^ "Chappelle Matthews, 78, legislator was called 'Mr. University System'". The Atlanta Journal. Vol. 104, no. 184. Final ed. November 11, 1986. p. 10D. Retrieved April 9, 2025. – via Newspapers.com
- ^ Shearer, Lee (October 1, 2011). "Bust honors former Athens legislator". Athens Banner-Herald. Retrieved April 9, 2025.