Brother, Husband, Uncle, US Army Officer, and Judge

1922-2013

I loved saying my Uncle is a judge.

For me it was a sense of pride and confidence, “My Uncle is a Judge” I liked the way it sounded.

For years when I would be called for Jury Duty, if I were called for a case, and with great authority rise up and say “MY UNCLE IS A JUDGE!”, with my arms stretching making dramatic gestures. The judge would ask “Who is your Un- cle?” and again with great drama “CLAUDIUS MATTHEWS!”, and most judges knew exactly who “MY UNCLE” was. After some discussions, then came the “You’re excused!”, and I would exit the court.

I was taking a business class and they had invited a lawyer to come a explain business laws and responsibilities of small business owners. I can’t remember what happened in the Q and A, but I think I disagreed with the lawyer. At some point I said “MY UNCLE IS A JUDGE”, the speaker asked “Who is your Uncle?”, and I said “CLAUDIUS MATTHEWS!”.

He got a bit nervous and said “Oh my God, I have a case in front of him tomor- row, nobody tell her my name!!”.

Years later, when Uncle Sammy retired, I asked “You were my way out of Jury Duty, what am I going to do now???”

and Uncle Sammy said with a sly smile “Guess you will have to serve” 

Recently, when he was in the hospital I would come to visit and sit with him awhile babbling about this and that. One of my ramblings I quoted another lawyer who said “Courts are about Equity” and Uncle Sammy perked up with a re- sounding “THAT’S RIGHT” He loved the law and the court was a place where you get Equal justice under the law. He believed that strongly. 
My Uncle is a Judge, and I think Uncle Sammy liked the way that sounded too. 

It was sad to see him leave this world, but one of my last conversations with him, I asked what branch of the service was he in.  He was in the Army and served 2 years....then he got out.  I asked was that when he decided to become a lawyer?  He responded "Yeeees!"  He seemed surprised I asked, but also it was like he remembered this milestone in his life.

Uncle Sammy lived a long life doing what he loved, the law and as I said before he loved being a judge.  I will miss him dearly.