Charles Matthews

Matthews, Charles Ray, age 90, of Birmingham, Alabama went to be with the Lord on Tuesday, October 5, 2010 at his home in Pawnee. He is survived by his loving wife of 65 years, Maxine Matthews, his son Don Matthews (Claudia), his daughter Dr Connie M Swillie, three grandchildren Lori Blake (Anthony), Nathan Swillie, Natalie Swillie, and three great-grandchildren Justin Blake, Joshua Blake, and Anna Whitley Blake. He was born on January 1, 1920 in Ensley, moved to the Pawnee community as a child and spent the remainder of his life there. He served as Staff Sergeant, Company K 20th Infantry in the Pacific in World War II and received two Purple Hearts, the Silver Star and the Bronze Star Medals. Upon returning home he married his sweetheart and worked as a millwright until he retired. He was a member of Pawnee Baptist Church from the early 1950's serving faithfully as deacon and Sunday School teacher. He loved working around the house and yard and always had a project going. But he will mostly be remembered as a gentle but strong man of wisdom, patience and integrity. Visitation will be Thursday, October 7, 2010 5pm to 7pm at Jefferson Memorial Funeral home in Trussville. Funeral services will be on Friday, October 8, 2010 at 2pm at the funeral home followed by burial at Pawnee Baptist Church Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, you may make a donation to the American Cancer Society, PO Box 22718, Oklahoma City, OK, 73123-1718, or online at cancer.org.