Matthew David Garrett

Matthew David Garrett, age 38, of Knoxville, TN, passed away on April 15, 2023. Matt “Buffalo” or “Cousin Tiny” Garrett was a best friend to ALL. He grew up in the “B.F.E.” of Knoxville, TN, trudging through his family’s property: playing S.A.S.H.A. with his sister and cousins. He loved tagging along with his cousin, Candy Bailey. Her influence guided him to always chase his dreams. He later influenced other cousins: Brittany Howard, Ryan Key, Catelyn Gantte, Ashley Crabtree, David Crabtree, Wesley and Tommy how to be yourself, be loud, be funny and love others. He graduated from Halls High School in 2003 and Lincoln Memorial University in 2008. He pursued a career in sports management and healthcare. Matt earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Athletic Training at Lincoln Memorial University. He holds both a NSCA and a NASM training certification and graduated from the Knoxville Police Academy. In his spare time, he enjoyed singing, ghost hunting, nerf wars, magic and pranks.

He continued to help others through his time with Cheer USA, the Knoxville Police Academy, UT Hospital, and Brown Chiropractic. His #1 hobby was ALWAYS music. He joined the team at Hatfield and McCoy Dinner and Show in 2017 and loved performing so much. He also loved all things paranormal, spiritual, and biblical; and somehow, found a way to make all three meet in the middle. Matt was a great human. He cared about every single person that came into his life. Heaven gained a great one. Cheers to the guy you knew whether it be Matt, Buffalo, or Cousin Tiny. Gone, but never forgotten.

Matthew is preceded in death by his paternal grandfather, Clarence H. Garrett, maternal grandmother, Peggy Key. He is survived by his father and mother, Don and Salina Garrett; sister, Kellie Taylor; nephew, Felix Taylor.

The family would like to give thanks to the Halls High School Madrigals and the Hatfield and McCoy Dinner Theater and Show. A celebration of life will be announced in June 2023. In lieu of flowers, the family wishes that donations be made to “Y.E.A.H.!”, Youth Empowerment Through Arts and Humanities. Gentry-Griffey Funeral Chapel and Crematory is honored to serve the Garrett family and invites you to sign the online registry at www.gentrygriffey.com

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Matthew David Garrett, please visit our floral store.