Matthew Rails

On Sunday, March 14, 2021, 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, Nev., 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 for 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 his 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; father, Bryan; sister, Madysen; grandmothers, Dr. Beverly Billingsley and Roberta Sellery; grandfathers, Mike Jones and Andrew Sellery; and several aunts, uncles and cousins. Memorial service will be held at Billingsley Vet Clinic on Saturday, May 1, 2021, at 2 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Canine Companions for Independence, in memory of Matthew, 124 Rancho Del Oro Dr., Oceanside CA, 92057. Matthew left a remarkable impression on the world in his short journey in life.