JAMES B. MATTHEWS
March 17, 1927-July 16, 2010
James Benton Matthews, 83, of Goldsboro passed away at home surrounded by his family and people who loved him.
Funeral services will be held at 6 p.m. Monday at Joyner's Funeral Home, 4100 Raleigh Road Parkway, Wilson, conducted by the Rev. Johnny Sullivan, Rev. Frank Harrison and Rev. Wayne Goff. A graveside service will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday at Maplewood Cemetery.
The family will receive friends following the service and at other times at the home.
James was born in Wilson County to the late John Thomas and Bertie Scott Matthews. He attended Charles L. Coon High School and soon afterward served his country in the Navy aboard the Destroyer USS Osborne -- something he was always proud of.
For many years his family owned and operated a grocery store and motel on 30l Highway near the county fairgrounds.
He and his family moved to Goldsboro, in 1965. There he and his wife ran the Wayne Motel Restaurant for many years while helping his sister with the motel.
James was known for his generosity and quick wit. He was a wonderful daddy to his two boys and a good brother to his sister and a great uncle to his niece and nephews. He loved people, conservation and good food. He enjoyed the camaraderie he had with his in-laws when there was a get-together. There was hardly a dull moment when James was around. He loved the members of Daniel Chapel Church.
He is survived by his loving wife of 61 years, Margaret Lancaster Matthews; two sons, his devoted caregiver Kent Matthews of the home and James Allan Matthews and his wife (a special daughter) Brenda of Wilmington; the love of his life, his precious granddaughter, Hannah M. Chitwood and husband, Ryan, of Wilmington; and a sister, Ruth Matthews Kornegay of Goldsboro; one niece, Connie Hare and husband, Jimmy; and son, D.J. Jenkins all of Goldsboro; two nephews, Jerry Kirby of Goldsboro and Thomas Wayne Matthew of Wilson.
In addition to his parent, James was preceded in death by his brother, Clifton Thomas Matthews, and a nephew, Randy Clifton Matthews.
The Matthews family would like to thank all those who cared for James during his lengthy illness with a special thank you with love to Tasha Wells, who not only cared for him but cared about him.
Flowers are welcome, or memorials may be directed to Daniels Chapel FWB Church, 4828 Frank Price Church Road, Wilson, NC 27893, or Free Will Baptist Children Home, P.O. Box 249, Middlesex, NC 27557
Condolences may be directed to www.joyners.net.
(Pd)
Published in Obituaries on July 18, 2010 11:04 AM