James Matthew “Matt” Renfro, age 61 of Hollansburg, Ohio, went to be with the Lord at 5:01 P.M. on Friday, April 2, 2010 at Miami Valley Hospital in Dayton, Ohio. Matt was born on October 12, 1948 in Pineville, Kentucky. He was reared and attended School in Southeastern Kentucky. He graduated from Cumberland College and did graduate work at the University of Dayton.
Matt was preceded in death by his parents, James Pogue and Agnes Elizabeth (Amis) Renfro; and his in-laws, Ruby and Jim Tom Gray all of Flat Lick, Kentucky.
Matt is survived by his loving and totally devoted wife of 40 years, Verna Ann (Gray) Renfro; his son, James Thomas and his fiancée, Lacey Morris; his sister and brother-in-law, Nancy Kay (Renfro) and Levi Bowling. Matt was also blessed to have a bonus brother, Lee Faulkner and his wife, Barbara and special friends, Sam and Debbie Shilot. Matt’s cousin Wilkerson Renfro and his family and many other cousins and friends in Kentucky mourn his passing.
Matt has been a prominent figure in Darke County for the past 40 years. He was a History Teacher and Basketball Coach at Tri-Village High School for 35 and 32 years respectively. He touched countless lives with his homegrown Philosophies, his Christian example and his teaching.
Matt loved Tri-Village High School and every aspect of his connection with students, parents and staff. He was an Elder in the Triumphant Christian Center Church, a member of the New Madison Kiwanis Club and a member of the Ohio Athletic Association. One of his great joys was his recent induction into the Tri-Village Sports Hall of Fame. The family wishes to thank the selection committee, Principal Bill Moore and Superintendant Tony Thomas for this honor.
Matt loved his family and was especially proud of his son, Tommy who is also a Teacher and Coach at Tri-Village High School. Tommy also has a Christian Music Ministry that Matt was involved with even singing with Tommy on one of his CD’s.
Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, April 7, 2010 at 12:00 P.M. at Triumphant Christian Center, 1129 South Town Court, Greenville, Ohio, with Rev. Sam Shilot officiating. The family will receive friends on Tuesday from 5:00 to 8:00 P.M. at Zechar Bailey Funeral Home in Greenville and Wednesday from 11:00 A.M. to 12:00 P.M. at the church. Interment will be in Barbourville City Cemetery, Barbourville, Kentucky. Memorial contributions may be made to the Triumphant Christian Center 1129 South Town Court, Greenville, Ohio 45331 or to the Tri-Village High School Athletic Department.
Pallbearers are the members of the 1991 Tri-Village State Runners up Basketball Team. Honorary pallbearers are Levi Bowling, Lee Faulkner, Eric Eley, Bret Dill, Dewayne Cook, Lonnie Mathews, Vincent Smith and Mark Earls.
Thanks are extended to the Doctors and Staff of Miami Valley Hospital, the members of Triumphant Christian Center and all of Matt’s family and friends for being a part of his life.
