Thomas Lewis Matthews

Boonville Mr. Thomas Lewis Matthews, 81, passed away Sunday, April 23, 2017 at Yadkin Nursing Center. Mr. Matthews was born November 17, 1935 in Yadkin County to Roy Zeno and Missouri Lucinda Brown Matthews. He was a member of Union Grove Baptist Church where he served as a deacon, Sunday school teacher, RA Leader, and on several committees. Mr. Matthews was a veteran of the US Air Force and retired from the US Postal Service. He enjoyed woodworking, camping, and gardening. In addition to his parents, Mr. Matthews was preceded in death by two grandsons, Connor Thomas Smith and Matthew Barrett Smith; three brothers, Jerry, Ronald, and Billy Joe Matthews; and one sister-in-law, Shirley A. Hyatt. He is survived by his loving wife of 61 years, Nell Allen Matthews; two children, Barry Matthews and friend Deanna Banner and Karen Smith and husband Derek; three grandchildren, Abby Matthews, Logan (Haley) Matthews, and Easton Smith; two sisters, Betty Eagle and Collie (Gilbert) Wooten; and four sisters-in-law, Jackie Matthews, Judy Matthews, Edna Matthews, Ruth (Jack) Stewart. A funeral service will be conducted at 4:00PM, Wednesday, April 26, 2017 at Union Grove Baptist Church with Rev. Kenny Gooden officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery with full military honors provided by Yadkin VFW Post 10346. The family will receive friends from 2:00 to 4:00PM prior to the service at the church. The family wishes to express their sincere appreciation to the staff of Yadkin Nursing Center and Hospice and Palliative Care of Winston Salem for the loving care given to Mr. Matthews. Flowers will be accepted or memorials may be made to Union Grove Baptist Church Building Fund, c/o David Painter 2401 Nebo Road Yadkinville, NC 27055. Online condolences may be made at www.gentryfuneralservice.com. Gentry Family Funeral Service in Yadkinville is serving the Matthews family.