A native of Cosby, Tenn., and resident of Etowah most of his life, he was a son of the late Arlie and Leota Holder Matthews. He was a member of New Bethel Baptist Church, and was preceded in death by his wife, Heddie Mae Matthews and several brothers and sisters.

Survivors include one daughter and son-in-law, Connie and Tim Davis of Athens; two sons and daughters-in-law, Glen and LaVan Matthews of Niota, and Jeff and Lolita Matthews of Etowah; 9 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; two sisters, Beatrice Wilson of Etowah and Artella Richardson of New Jersey; and two brothers, Howard Matthews of Cosby, and Edward Matthews of New Jersey.

Funeral service will be held at 7 p.m. Sunday, October 24, 2010 in the South Chapel with the Rev. Wendell Puett and the Rev. Merrell Vaughn officiating. The family will receive friends from 5 to 7 p.m. Sunday prior to the service.

Family and friends will assemble at the funeral home at 10 a.m. Monday, Oct. 25th and proceed to New Bethel Cemetery for the 11 a.m. committal service.

Bordwine Funeral Home of Etowah is in charge of arrangements.