Kim Kirk Matthews

East Bend Dr. Kim Kirk Matthews, 63, passed away Saturday, May 25, 2019. Dr. Matthews was born May 7, 1956 in Forsyth County to Kenneth and Martha Jane Matthews. He was a member of East Bend UMC and loved his family with all of his heart. Kim was preceded in death by his mother, Martha Jane Kirk Matthews. Surviving are his wife, Karen Hodges Matthews, two sons, Kirk (Emily) Matthews and Kyle (Amy) Matthews, his father, Kenneth Gray Matthews, two granddaughters, Addie Gray Matthews and Ella Jane Matthews, brother Mark (Julie) Matthews, and special aunts, Anne Hardy and Hazel Matthews. Kim was a beloved leader in education, shaping many lives through decades of tireless work as a teacher, coach, principal, associate superintendent, and finally as a professor of Education at Lenoir-Rhyne University. Kim was a man who did not know how to retire, he only changed jobs. He devoted himself to his farm, raising cattle, baling hay, and to his family. He possessed a deep love for his family, most notably, his wife of 43 years and love of his life, Karen Hodges Matthews. Kim was a proud father of his two sons, Kirk & wife Emily and Kyle & wife Amy, whom he loved and supported with his whole heart. His heart grew even more with the addition of his granddaughters, Addie Gray and Ella. They loved to spend time riding on the gator with their Pappy to check the cows. Kim loved to spend time with his brother Mark & wife Julie Matthews, Aunt Anne, and Aunt Hazel. The family will receive friends from 6:00 to 8:00PM, Tuesday, May 28, 2019 at Gentry Funeral Service in Yadkinville. A funeral service will be conducted at 11:00AM, Wednesday, May 29, 2019 at East Bend UMC with Rev. David Blankenberg officiating. Burial will follow at East Bend Friends cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to East Bend UMC, PO Box 117 East Bend, NC 27018. Online condolences may be made at www.gentryfuneralservice.com. Gentry Family Funeral Service in Yadkinville is serving the Matthews family.