Judge Matthew Hawley dies after 30 years of service to community
June 29, 2026
Judge Matthew Hawley, Chief Judge of the Greenville Municipal Court, died on Friday after more than 30 years of distinguished service. Known for his humility, fairness, and compassion, Judge Hawley leaves behind a legacy that shaped the lives of countless individuals and elevated the standards of justice in Greenville.
The Hawley family sent words of gratitude. “Our family appreciates the outpouring of support from the City and the community at large. His loss leaves a huge hole in our lives. Matt was committed to a life of public service. We encourage everyone to find some small way to do some good in this world this week in his memory. Funeral and visitation details will be shared a soon as possible.”
Mayor Knox White noted Judge Hawley’s unwavering dedication throughout his three decades of service to the citizens of Greenville. “Judge Hawley’s legal acumen, fairness and genuine respect for every individual elevated the standards of municipal justice in Greenville,” Mayor White said. “He leaves a lasting legacy that will be remembered for years to come.”
Reflecting on his role, Judge Hawley recently said, “I’m just the front man for a real good, clean, smooth operation. It’s not my job to be flashy. You know, that black robe is black for a reason. To me, in my mind, that means you be humble. You understand that there’s a lot of responsibility on your shoulders, and you try to be fair.”
In early June the City honored Hawley with a courtroom dedication at its Public Safety and Municipal Complex on Halton Road.
Judge Hawley was planning to retire on June 30.
