Thomas Mattingly, Jr.

Thomas Eugene “Matt” Mattingly Jr. passed away Friday morning at home after a 4 month battle with pancreatic cancer.  Matt was born Sep 18, 1953 in Painesville, Ohio to Thomas Eugene and Shirley Mattingly.  Matt graduated from South High School in Willoughby, Ohio.  Upon completion of school, Matt joined the U.S. Army where he served from 1971-1983 as a military policeman in the K-9 unit.  Matt was very fond of the dogs he trained.  He took great pride in his military service and has spent his post-military years helping soldiers and the families of troops deployed.  In 1983, Matt left the Army to start an auction business in Hinesville.  Liberty Auction was launched in a small garage.  Matt made it into a tremendously successful business that is still thriving 35 years later in Pembroke.  Matt’s incredible talent as an auctioneer and his ethical approach to business was what made Liberty Auction so successful.  He was a well known and well loved businessman.  He was a caring and generous philanthropist, donating thousands of dollars and numerous hours of time to worthy causes.  He rode in many “Iron Butt” rides with the Iron Knights, collecting money for the Shriners Hospital.  He was particularly fond of helping children with disabilities.  He discovered an organization that helped children born with the disease Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA).  Matt was a champion for their cause.  He served as their auctioneer in fundraising and collected money for them for 20 years.  Matt never turned down the opportunity to offer his services to those in need.  He performed at many charity auctions for numerous causes.  Matt was an avid Harley rider.  He travelled the USA on his bike.  Matt loved to have a good time.  He loved live music, cold beer, good food and playing Black Jack.  He is preceded in death by his mother, Shirley Mattingly.

He is survived by his wife, Lori Mattingly, his father, Thomas Eugene Mattingly (Geri), sisters Jenny Lenhart (Dan), Tracy Orsic (Joe), Kim Rich (Jeremy), sons Thomas “Matt” Mattingly III (Rebecca), Cameron Mattingly (Shauna), Adam Mattingly (Dana) and Erik Mattingly (Chelsea), daughters Ashley Dasher and Emily McGarry, grandchildren Collin, Alex, Emree, L.C., Karter, Layne, Emma, Gracyn and Macee and his beloved dog Buddy.   He will sadly be missed by many employees, friends, customers and associates.

Memorial service will be held Sunday, Feb 11th at 5:00 pm at Liberty Auction in Pembroke.  In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you make a donation to Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA).