E. Harold Matthews

Eugene Harold Matthews, Jr., 78, of Rockingham, passed away Sunday, October 16, 2011 at Hospice Haven. Harold was born May 16, 1933 in Wake County, a son of Eugene Harold and Laura Elizabeth Williams Matthews. He served his country in the United States Army and was a member of First Baptist Church of Rockingham, where he had served as a Deacon for over 40 years, served as a Family Group Minister for the Homebound Group and held many offices in the church. He was a member of the Rockingham Civitan Club, where he recently was honored with a lifetime membership, was Civitan of the Year in 2008 and had served as club president. He had retired from Metropolitan Life after 36 years of service, had been a member of the Metropolitan Veterans Association for 15 years, and a longtime member of the Association of Life Underwriters. He was also a member and past president of the German Club. Surviving are his wife of 58 years, Betty Carol Lloyd Matthews of the home; son, Timothy Matthews and wife Lynn of Smithfield; daughters, Teresa Matthews Riley and husband, John Duke of Morehead City, Laura Matthews Black and husband Rick of Hickory; grandchildren, Jay Riley and wife Holly, Jackson Riley, Scott Matthews, Elizabeth Chapman and husband Joel, Jessica Black, Wayne Black and wife Courtney, Spencer Black and Chaz Black; great grandchildren, Cooper and Keelyn Riley and Elphie and Jett Black. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 pm Tuesday at First Baptist Church of Rockingham with Rev. Dr. Jim Nelson officiating. Interment will follow in Eastside Cemetery. The family will see friends from 6:00 – 8:00pm Monday at Carter Funeral Home in Rockingham and at other times at the home. Memorials may be made to Richmond County Hospice, 1119 US 1 Hwy N, Rockingham, NC 28379 or to First Baptist Church,201 N. Randolph St. Rockingham, NC 28379