Matthew Bryan Rails July 31, 2000 – March 14, 2021

On Sunday, March 14, Matthew Bryan Rails, a loving son, brother and grandson, passed away at the age of 20 in Anchorage, Alaska.

Matthew was born on July 31, 2000 in Carson City, Nevada to Melissa Billingsley and Bryan Rails. Matthew attended Carden School of Tehachapi and Tehachapi High School in his younger years. He was pursuing his political science degree at the University of Alaska, Anchorage in hopes to become a lawyer one day.

He was working full time at Midnight Sun Animal Hospital in Anchorage. Matthew had a passion for music and began playing the violin at the age of 6 and continued to play his whole life. His proudest accomplishments were playing in the Kern County Honors Orchestra, the Tehachapi Community Orchestra and competing in the Tehachapi Fiddle Contest multiple years. Matthew had a passion for politics and law and always dreamed of moving to an Ivy League college to obtain his law degree. Matthew loved classical rock, collecting old vinyl records, hiking, horseback riding, mountain bike riding and raising service dogs for Canine Companions for Independence. Matthew was known for his infectious smile and witty humor but most importantly his compassionate and loving soul. He is survived by his mother Melissa, his father Bryan, his sister Madysen, his grandmothers, Dr. Beverly Billingsley and Roberta Sellery, his grandfathers Mike Jones and Andrew Sellery, and several aunts, uncles and cousins.

A memorial service will be held at Billingsley Vet Clinic, 21834 Ferncuko St, Tehachapi on Saturday, May 1 at 2 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Canine Companions for Independence in memory of Matthew at 124 Rancho Del Oro Dr., Oceanside CA, 92057. Matthew left a remarkable impression on the world in his short journey in life.