AHOSKIE, NC – Roy Duncan “R.D.” Matthews, age 88, passed away on July 1, 2020 at his home, with his family by his side.
R.D. was born in Bertie County, on October 18, 1931, a son of the late Roy Allen and Mary Bunch Matthews. Mr. Matthews graduated from Mars Hill High School and enlisted in the US Army, where he served as a Military Police Officer, obtaining the rank of Staff Sergeant before leaving the Army. He worked as a salesman for N.S. Godwin of Ahoskie and later became the first Insurance Representative for State Farm Insurance in Ahoskie, serving the community for 30 years. R.D. was on the Board of Directors for the Ahoskie Rural Fire Department and the Board of Adjustments for the Town of Ahoskie. After his retirement he enjoyed being with his family, playing golf and most especially volunteering at Creekside Care and Rehabilitation Center in Ahoskie, twice receiving the Governor’s Volunteer Award for Hertford County.
Besides his parents, R.D. was preceded in death by his brother, Jesse Matthews.
Left to cherish his memory is his devoted wife, Finette Bryant Matthews, his son, Larry Duncan Matthews and wife, Winnie of Ahoskie, NC; his granddaughter, Jessica Matthews Brinkley and husband, Josh of Ahoskie, NC; and his great grandchildren, Lily Ann Brinkley, and Bryant Jackson Brinkley. Also surviving is his sister, Mary Jane Ruegger of Raleigh, NC; and his brother, Spencer Matthews and wife, Delores of Ahoskie, NC.
Garrett-Sykes Funeral Service of Ahoskie will be open for friends and family to view Mr. Matthews, pay their last respects and sign the guest register from 9:00 am until 5:00 pm on Friday, July 3, 2020. The family will receive friends at the home.
A graveside service will be held on Saturday, July 4, 2020, at 11:00 am, at the Highland Memorial Gardens, Ahoskie, NC, with Rev. Dr. Trey Gilliam and Rev. Anita Thompson officiating. Due to the circumstances with COVID-19 from the CDC, NC Board of Funeral Service and the Governor, please adhere to social distancing.
Memorial contributions may be made directly to Community Home Care and Hospice, 200 Green Street, Suite 203, Williamston, NC, 27892; or you may donate online by clicking here; or to the Benevolence Fund, First Baptist Church of Ahoskie, P.O. Box 649, Ahoskie, NC, 27910; or you may donate online by clicking here.
Garrett-Sykes Funeral Service – Ahoskie Chapel is handling the arrangements for the Matthews family and online condolences can be directed to the family by visiting www.garrettsykesfs.com.
We are deeply saddened to hear of R D’s death. He was such a fine person and always so fun to talk with. Our hearts and prayers go out to the family.
My condolences to all of R.D.”s surviving family and his close friends. For as long as I was privileged to know him, I found R.D. to be a man who treated everyone as he would have liked them to treat him. He was a living example of the Golden Rule. Not only will his family and close friends miss him, but so will many of the citizens of Bertie and Hertford counties as well!!
Finette and Larry, I’m so saddened by RD’s passing. He was an awesome man and friend. I’ll miss him. Y’all are in my prayers.
Bart
R D. We go way back to the O’Connor days and just passing and in the nursing home you were a great man. You almost felt like family. Man could we ever joke and carry on. Always a smiling face. You will be missed.I just know you’re singing with the angels and smiling all over the place. Gone but not forgotton.
Great of many and tremendous husband and father. Always upbeat!!
R,D. We go way back to the O:Connor Days. We could joke and laugh You always had a smile.i just know you’re singing with the Angels and smiling. you will be missed.
Judd and I send our love and prayers. It is still hard to lose a cousin, even in your later years. He was truly a good man and will be missed by many.
A Kind And Thoughtful Man!!! Always Ready To Help Someone!!!
R D was a good man-He always had a smile and always served his fellow man–R I P–Prayers for all his family
Finette, I am so very sorry to here this. R.D. was such a good man and a fine friend.I so enjoyed seeing him at the hospital on his walks and other places around town. I have missed seeing you both at church. My heart goes out to you.