William Harold Matthews, 91, of Sumerco passed away Saturday, February 5, 2011 at Hubbard Hospice House in Charleston after a long bout with Alzheimer’s Disease.
He was a life-long Christian, an elder in the church and a member of the Church of Christ in Griffithsville, WV. He was a retired pipefitter from Local Union 625. He was also the owner of Matthews’ Store in Sumerco which closed in 1972. He was a teacher for World Bible School for over 26 years. He taught tens of thousands of students about the Lord, through correspondence in Africa, Europe, Asia, South America and in the United States.
He is survived by his wife of 71 years, Helena Elizabeth Watts Matthews. He is also survived by his sister, Emma Mace Brokaw of Barboursville; two sisters-in-law, Edna C. Burns and Alberta McKinney both of Sumerco;Three children, Joan Matthews Gerber of Sumerco, Robert S. “Bob” Matthews (Nancy) of Sod and Kim Matthews (Brenda) of Sumerco; Four grandchildren, Tracy Matthews (Laura) of Sod, Sarah Matthews Dunlap (Chris) of Alum Creek, Chastidy Matthews Graham (Billy) of Hamlin, K.K. Matthews (Marsha) of Yawkey; 10 great grandchildren and a host of nieces and nephews. He is also survived by a great number of friends and church family.
It has been an honor to be his children and we lovingly surrender him to the arms of our Heavenly Father until we meet again.
Funeral service will be 2:00 PM Wednesday, February 9, 2011 at Curry Funeral Home, 2097 Childress Road, Alum Creek with Ministers Charlie McKinney and Tom Racer officiating. Burial will follow in Orchard Hills Memory Gardens, Yawkey. Family & friends will gather Tuesday evening from 6 to 8 pm at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, we ask that contributions be made to the HospiceCare, 1606 Kanawha Blvd. W., Charleston, WV 25312-2536.