Johnny Milford Matthews

On May 11​th,​ 2017, the world lost a man, a man of many titles but a simple man to some. Johnny Milford Matthews of East Bend, born October 11​,​ 1936 to John Ed and Creole Matthews, joined hands with his beloved wife, Shirley Jean Martin Matthews, at the gates of heaven in the presence of our Almighty Lord and Savior. I say simple man because that is exactly how many would describe his life. Married at a young age, Johnny worked hard to provide for his young bride and family. Over the years with the many jobs he has partaken in, some might call him a Jack of all trades. He worked in fields of tobacco, became known as “Banjo” while working at RJ Reynolds, and helped with everything in between. Hard work and perseverance are traits he instilled in his three daughters, Johnnie Sue Driver (Eddy), Debbie Smitherman (Wayne) and Vickie Davis (Roger). But hard work was only part of the puzzle. Spontaneous overnight beach trips and homemade picnics showed the kind, caring, loving husband and father he was. His family was the single most important part of his life. Throughout the years, he added so many loving people to his family. His daughters married and grandchildren soon followed suit. Johnny spoke often of his son-in-laws; he considered them to be the best there were and thought of them more as sons. While his grandchildren, Darrin Smitherman (Liz), Brandon Smitherman (Courtney Branch), Ashley Wimmer (Jacob) and Auston Davis (Sydni Doss) were growing up, you could find Johnny, or Pap as they lovingly called him, in a chair at the baseball field or on the bleachers of a football stadium or basketball court. His love for his grandchildren was evident in the support he showed them. He never missed a game or event. While he loved watching each in their chosen sport, baseball was his favorite and he watched it often on television. Shortly after retiring from RJ Reynolds, his wife became ill, and Johnny devoted his time and purpose to her care. He never left her side; he cared for her every need and loved her unconditionally until she died in 2003. He still loved only her until he himself left this world. In the recent years, Johnny added yet another to his small but cherished family, a great-grandson, Drake Smitherman. The love Johnny had for the youngest of his family could be seen by simply watching his face come alive with joy when Drake entered the room. Johnny’s most recent place of residence, Share-A-Home in Boonville, only added to his loving family. Not only did Johnny consider the caregivers as a part of his family, they considered him a part of theirs and took extraordinary care of him. While some may call him a simple man with a simple life, I call his life full of unconditional love, never ending laughter and undying faith. The life of a father, a grandfather and great-grandfather, a friend, brother and son. While he is no longer with us on this Earth, the love and memories we are left with will stay with us forever. If this is a picture of a simple life, I want for nothing more. We love you always Pap, your family. His funeral service will be held Monday, May 15, 2017 at 6:30 pm at Prospect United Methodist Church with Rev. Eddy Driver officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. Memorials may be made to Share A Home Of Yadkin County, 2800 Woodruff Road, Boonville, NC 27011.The family will receive friends from 5:00-6:30 at the church prior to the service. Online condolence may be made at www.gentryfuneralservice.com. Gentry Family Funeral Service in Yadkinville is serving the Matthews family.