James “Barney” Mattenson started his bowling as a youth in New Jersey
where he lived with his parents until he graduated in 1966. After graduation he
moved to Florence, SC to start up Carbide with family members. In September
1968, he joined the US Army where he proudly served his country and served
in the Vietnam war. During this time, he was awarded the Bronze Star and
numerous other medals for his service in Vietnam.
After the military, he began his career as general
to provide for the family that he loved, where he retired after 30 years as the
large machine machinist and nozzle maker for chemical tanks.
-machinist with Esab
On July 18th, 1970, he married his best friend, the love of his life, his wife of 50
years, Cherry. Together they had a wonderful daughter, Kim, who was the joy
of his life and always brought a smile to his face. As Kim grew, he taught her
one of his greatest love, bowling, which the whole family shared together the
joys of the lanes for many years and many tournaments.
Barney has many accomplishments in the bowling community, member of the
PeeDee USBC Board Member, serving on many Committees within the
organization include all areas of the youth including Youth Tournaments and
Youth Scholarships committees.
One of his proudest moments being the 1st senior in Florence to bowl a 300
games, Dec 14th, 2006, which was also his 1st 300 game and that was as a
“Lefty”.
He Coached many youth and adults over the years helping them improve their
game including drilling balls and making repairs to equipment like no one
could. He was always available for everyone, mentoring, coaching, guiding
and never having a harsh word for any other them.
One of his other loves was the youth bowling, as he put it, “Florence Bowling
Future.” He gave many hours dedicating his time to the youth and was always
available and help on Saturdays with the Youth League to make sure they had
what they needed, even if they did not know it.
Obituary
James “Barney” Bernard Mattenson, Jr.
August 08, 1948 – January 23, 2021
Barney Mattenson, 72, of Florence, SC, went to join loved ones and Jesus in Heaven on January 23, 2021.
He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Cherry Mattenson and daughter, Kim Robinson; his brother-in-law Charlie and Becky McPherson, brother-in-law Artie and Trish McPherson; 5 nephews, 1 niece, 3 nieces-in-law, 3 great-nephews and 3 great-nieces; “other daughter,” Dee Hayne and Paul, and numerous others he considered his kids and grandkids.
Husband, Father, Pa, Coach, and Friend, he was loved by so many and will be missed by even more. Barney served in the US Army and was a Vietnam veteran. He retired from ESAB after 30 years.
One of his greatest loves outside of his family and friends, was his bowling. He started bowling as a youth in New Jersey and then started again with his daughter, Kim, when her interest grew at his young age of 42. Having many accomplishments in the bowling community, he was a member of the Pee Dee USBS Board Member. One of his proudest moments was being the first senior in Florence to bowl a 300 game, which was also his first 300 game, and that was as a “lefty.” He coached many adults over the years helping them improve their game including drilling balls and making repairs to equipment like no one could. He was always there for every youth: mentoring, coaching, guiding and never speaking a harsh word toward any of them. He gave up many Saturdays to make sure they had what they needed, even if they did not know it.
Visitation will be at Waters-Powell Funeral Home from 4:00 to 6:00 pm, Saturday, February 6, 2021. All COVID mandates will be observed. A “Celebration of Life” will be held when the weather warms at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, the family has asked that donations be made to the Pee Dee USBC Youth Scholarship Fund, c/o Deanna Hayne, 2332 Willow Point Road, Effingham, SC 29541
Information from Walter-Powell Funeral Home, Florence, SC
