Thaddeus Matthews, the provocative Memphis-based preacher widely known as the “Cussing Pastor,” passed away at the age of 67, as reported by multiple news outlets on February 25, 2025.

His death marks the end of a polarizing career that blended profanity-laced sermons with spiritual messages, drawing both fervent supporters and sharp critics.

According to his wife, Melanie Matthews, the pastor spent his final days seeking redemption, repenting for past controversies, and making amends with those he had impacted.

The Christian Post broke the news of Matthews’ death, highlighting his leadership of the Naked Truth Liberation and Empowerment Ministries in Memphis, Tennessee.

Known for his unorthodox approach, Matthews gained international attention through online platforms, where his blunt, expletive-filled preaching attracted millions of viewers.

His wife told the outlet, “I know that a lot of people thought he was playing with God because of his choice of vocabulary, but I know that he loved God.”

She emphasized that Matthews had recently distanced himself from the “Cussing Pastor” moniker, signaling a shift in his personal and spiritual journey.

Fox13 Memphis, a local news source, provided further insight through an interview with Matthews’ daughter, Domonique Matthews.

She acknowledged her father’s divisive reputation, stating, “I’m not going to say he didn’t have a lot of enemies, but who meant the most he made sure that he apologized, he repented.”

Domonique expressed confidence that her father died at peace, a sentiment that contrasts with the tumultuous public image he cultivated over the years.

Matthews’ career was no stranger to headlines. In 2019, he stirred controversy by defending a twerking contest held at his church, an event that epitomized his unconventional ministry style.

The Commercial Appeal, a prominent Memphis newspaper, noted in its coverage of his death that Matthews’ blend of raw language and religious fervor made him a lightning rod in both religious and secular circles.

His 2021 book, The Cussing Pastor: Bullsht from the Pulpit*, further cemented his reputation as a figure unafraid to challenge norms.

While the exact cause of death remains undisclosed, posts on X and reports from NewsNowUK indicate that Matthews had been frequently hospitalized due to an unspecified illness prior to his passing.

This health struggle, though not detailed, adds a layer of humanity to a man often seen as larger-than-life through his online presence.

The Christian Post also reported on the family’s reflections, with Melanie Matthews noting that her husband had begun reconciling with those he had wronged.

This narrative of repentance has sparked varied reactions.

Supporters view it as a redemptive arc for a misunderstood figure, while skeptics question whether it fully addresses the controversies that defined his ministry.

Matthews’ death has reignited discussions about his legacy.

Was he a genuine spiritual leader who spoke truth in a raw, relatable way, or a provocateur whose antics undermined his message?

The answer, it seems, depends on who you ask. As reported across these publications, his influence—whether through viral sermons or headline-making stunts—cannot be denied.

With millions of viewers worldwide, Matthews leaves behind a digital footprint that will likely continue to provoke debate long after his passing on February 25, 2025.

In the end, the “Cussing Pastor” exited the stage as he lived—unapologetically himself, yet seeking peace in his final chapter, according to those closest to him.

His story, as covered by the Christian Post, Fox13, the Commercial Appeal, and others, remains a testament to the complexity of faith, forgiveness, and the power of a voice that refused to be ignored.