Kerry Kim Matthews, 71, of Sumerco, WV, passed away on Wednesday, September 16, 2026, at Hubbard Hospice House in Charleston after years of battling Multiple Sclerosis and Alzheimer’s Disease.
Kim was born on June 4, 1955 to the late Harold and Helena Matthews of Sumerco, WV. He is survived by his sister Joan Gerber of Alum Creek, WV and brother Bob (Nancy) Matthews of Sod, WV.
Carrying his memory in their hearts is his high school sweetheart, the love of his life and wife of 53 years, Brenda, his daughter Chastidy (Rod) Hoover of Sumerco, WV and his son KK (Marsha) Matthews of Yawkey, WV. His legacy will live on through his six grandsons, Kerry Matthews III, Eli Runyon-Hoover, Gage Matthews, Kyle Matthews, Klayton Matthews and Gabriel Lovejoy as well as one great grandson Holden Matthews. He will also be treasured by a host of nieces, nephews and friends whom he loved dearly.
Kim was a 1973 graduate of Duval High School where he excelled in sports as well as speech and debate winning various accolades for his performances. After graduation, Kim worked for Pennzoil for several years before attending Sunset School of Preaching in Lubbock, TX, where he later earned a Bachelor’s degree in biblical studies from Sunset International Institute. In addition to his biblical studies degree, he attended Sunset Missionary school in Abilene, Texas. Kim served as a youth minister in Woodsfield, Ohio, as well as Danville, WV. He was a preacher and teacher in Peytona, WV, Wilmington, NC, and Griffithsville, WV. He was a painter by trade and member of the International Painters Union Local 970.
Kim’s ministry extended beyond the pulpit into the community as he was involved in coaching youth sports for many years and was instrumental in helping unite area congregations for the common goal of teaching Gods love and demonstrating it through their shared faith.
Kim was a singer/ songwriter and formed the Acapella group Barnabas in the late 80s and early 90s and the group traveled to various cities to spread the word of God. Kim had a great desire to serve the Lord and provide encouragement to others through his sermons and songs.
Kim was a phenomenal storyteller and writer. From the bedtime stories to his children and grandchildren to his published works, Kim had a knack for telling the most amazing stories. His first published book, Andyopagus The Happy Day, was featured in a non-profit children’s magazine in India where it was translated in 7 languages for children around the world to enjoy. Through many years of study and research Kim’s most recent work, A Mountain of a Sermon, was published in 2024, which focuses on the beatitudes from the Sermon on the Mount in Matthew Chapters 5-7.
Kim had a unique way of showing love to others. He had an infectious smile that would light up any room. He would never fail to ask you if anyone told you today that they loved you and if he wasn’t the first, he would tell you too. When he parted ways with friends he was quick to say I love you, Christians never say goodbye or we will meet again in the northeast corner of heaven. He never hesitated to tell folks about Jesus’ love and how they blessed his socks off. He loved his family, friends and community dearly.
It has been a great honor for us to call him Daddy, Poppy and Grandad. We would like to thank everyone for the generous support and outpouring of love for our family during this time. We would also like to thank his caregivers and the Hubbard Hospice House.
Services will be held at Curry Funeral Home in Alum Creek, WV. Visitation will be Saturday, September 19, 2026, from 6:00 to 8:00 pm and the funeral will be held on Sunday, September 20, 2026, at 1:00 pm with a viewing one hour prior to the service. Charles McKinney will be officiating assisted by Richard McCallister, Tracy Matthews and Isaiah Hatfield. He will be laid to rest at Lively Cemetery in Sod, WV.
From the day I met Kim, I knew there was something very special about him. So much goodness in him, reflecting his love for the Lord. So gifted, as a singer, writer, and preacher; a friend to many. I only wish I could have spent more time with him. I heard he say many times that I had “blessed his sock off.” He started Barnabas, and epitomized that name. To Brenda, thank you for loving him, serving him, caring for him during some very difficult years. He loved you with all his heart. And he loved Chastidy and KK also, speaking of them often. May God’s grace and kindness fill all of you, and may the hope of being with God, Kim, and all of God’s people comfort and strengthen you, until that day.
I am grateful for the opportunity to have known Kim and benefitted from his friendship. When we were in school together back in the late 70’s he was full of warmth, humor, and encouragement. His support was extremely helpful to me in managing the move from Pennsylvania to Texas and getting through school.
And then to reconnect with him and Charlie last year after over 40 years through Charlie’s efforts was a blessing again. To find him to be the same warm and encouraging person and to enjoy the same friendship as though no time had passed was amazing.
He is the person who helps me picture what Barnabas was like which led the early believers to call him “the son of encouragement”.
This world is now a little colder for the loss of this great person. But I will always treasure the memory of him until I can see him again.
For Kim’s Dear Family:
We are so very sorry for the deep loss of your sweet Kim. He was such a Great Christian and Family Man. He touched so many lives with his teachings and loving devotion to our Heavenly Father and Savior.
We saw Kim a few years ago at the schoolhouse during early voting. We reminisced some about times gone by and it seemed he was having one of his better days. I know he painfully endured so many other days after that meeting. We will always be thankful to have that good memory of him that day when he was laughing and talking to us.
I also remember well, the special night that Kim and his Dad, Harold, which was my Dad’s Best Friends, and two other men, came over to the house and annouinted my Dad ‘s Head with Oil and
Prayed over him when he was near death. We will always cherish that memory.
It is our only comfort and blessing for the ones left behind, that Kim is no longer suffering and is now resting peacefully in our Lord’s Precious Embrace!
May God Bless,
Marshall& Sandy (Madden) Pauley