Matthew Carney

Matthew Carney, a husband, father, and brother, left this world on November 14, 2025, at the age of 54. Born September 29, 1971, in Potsdam, NY, Matt moved to Chattanooga, TN, in 1978, where he became a life-long Harrison resident. He graduated from Chattanooga Central High School in 1990 and immediately began serving in the United States Marine Corps from 1990–1994. After his time in the Marines, Matt worked for Coca-Cola, Lowe’s, and Home Depot before beginning his career with TVA in 2011. He reentered military service in 2010 with the Army Reserves, serving through 2020, and joined the National Composite Adversary Force (NCAF) in 2016. For the last 15 years, he dedicated himself to security work and most recently served as a site manager for Allied Security at the local TVA operations center.

He was preceded in death by his loving mother, Patricia Carney, from whom, his father says, he inherited his tender and loving heart. He is survived by his father, Robert (Bob) Carney; his wife, Christy Carney; and his siblings, Suann and Alan (Nanette). He is also survived by his niece, Erin (JJ), and nephew, Austin (Nicole); his children, Spencer (Shannon) and Savannah (Matt); and his five grandchildren—Whitman, Boone, Swayze, Wylie, and Ailee—who love and know him as “Pappy.” He is also survived by his former wife and friend, Eva Carney, and by his brother-in-law, Tracy Jones.

Matt was loving, caring, and giving. Christy (“Scooter”) and her family were his world, and he loved them unconditionally. As an unknowing teacher, he taught others to listen and to use few words, but to make them impactful. Behind his tough and stoic exterior was a gentle man with a heart of gold. He kept his inner circle close and loved them all with firm compassion. Christy and Bob would like for you all to know how much they appreciate everyone's thoughts and prayers. The support has meant the world. We always knew how deeply Matt was loved, but we never realized just how far his love reached—and how profoundly it touched others.

Visitation and funeral services will be held at a later date. Details for these services will be released at that time.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Project Gallantly Forward, a veterans’ non-profit retreat. Donations can be made at projectgallantlyforward.org.