Alfred R. Matthews Sr.
AULANDER, N.C.—Alfred Ray Matthews Sr., 70, died Sept. 8, 2009, at his home.
Mr. Matthews was born on Oct. 8, 1938, in Chowan County, a son of the late Lloyd Lathan and Corey Leggett Matthews.
He was a member of Pleasant Grove Baptist Church, served in the North Carolina Army National Guard and was a retired Sergeant with the North Carolina Department of Corrections, after serving for 30 years.
He was affectionately known to many as “Rockfish” and was an avid hunter and fisherman.
Survivors include his wife, Ola Ray Rawls Matthews; his daughters, Phyllis Gwen Matthews Coburn of Virginia Beach and Jamie Lynn Rawls Matthews of Aulander; his sons, William E. “Billy” Matthews, Alfred R. “Buck” Matthews Jr., both of Aulander and Jeffrey Wayne Matthews of Windsor, N.C.; two sisters, Rachel Matthews Conner of Aulander, and Janice Matthews Riddick of Edenton, N.C.; three brothers, Bobby Matthews of Aulander, Gene Matthews of Newsoms and Jesse Matthews of Como, N.C.; 13 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.
He was predeceased by a brother, Thomas L. Matthews; a daughter, Julie Christal Matthews; a granddaughter, and a great granddaughter.
A celebration of life service will be conducted today at 3 p.m. in the Ashley Memorial Chapel of Garrett-Jones Funeral Home, with the Rev. Dr. Jimmy Jarrell and the Rev. J.N. Baggett officiating.
Burial will follow in Aulander Cemetery.
The family will receive friends at the home.
Flowers are welcome or donations may be made in his memory to Pleasant Grove Baptist Church, 221 Pleasant Grove Road, Aulander, N.C. 27805.
Family and friends may send condolences and sign the online guestbook by visiting www.garrettjonesfh.com.