It was something of an understatement when Marietta Mayor Josh Schlicher said that the late Joe Matthews “leaves a lasting mark on Marietta.” Then again, it’s difficult to come up with words to describe just how significant Matthews’ public service has been to the community over the decades.

From his choice to serve his country in the U.S. Marine Corps from 1956-58 after graduating high school, to his 24 years with the Marietta Fire Department — as a firefighter and EMT — and terms as mayor from 1992 to 2003 and 2012 to 2019, Matthews truly lived as a public servant.

Matthews had racked up accolades such as Community Leader of the Year and Citizen of the Year while also serving organizations such as Shriners International, the American Legion, VFW and the Salvation Army.

“He’s made people’s lives a little bit better in each of those areas of service,” said Salvation Army Major Todd Hughes this past spring, when he was presenting to Matthews the William Booth Award to recognize contributions to public service, the city and charitable efforts. During that same ceremony, May 30 was declared Joe A. Matthews Day in Marietta.

At the time, Matthews, who died Sunday at 87, responded to the accolades with “I just can’t say enough” in appreciation.

He didn’t have to say anything. He certainly DID enough for Marietta. And now, it is our turn to know our feeble attempts to “say enough” in gratitude will fall far short, as our thoughts are with the family and community he leaves behind.

Thank you, sir.