William Matthews Sr

William Bradley (“Brad”) Matthews, Sr., 92, of Concord, NC died after an extended illness early Saturday morning, December 23, 2017, at his home with his family by his side.

Mr. Matthews was born Tuesday, April 14, 1925, in Lakewood, NJ to the late Ira A. and Isabelle M. Poole Matthews.

On December 25, 1947, in Lakewood he married his loving wife of 64 years, the former Gloria Ruth Hutchins who died September 20, 2011.

He proudly served his country in the United States Navy during World War II until Honorably Discharged. In the Pacific Theater, he served as a Radio Technician and Gunner on both the USS Enterprise and USS Hornet Naval Carrier Ships. He received the Pacific Theater Ribbon (2 Stars), Good Conduct Ribbon, American Theater Ribbon, Victory Medal, and Philippine Liberation Ribbon (2 Stars), among other Commendations. During his service, he flew in a Curtiss Helldiver off the USS Hornet and a Grumman Avenger off the USS Enterprise flying bombing raids over Japan and the Philippines and survived being shot down and rescued from the Pacific Ocean three different times. He was a true American hero.

Brad was an active member of both the Masonic Lodge and Eastern Star for many years. He was a 3rd Degree Master Mason in the Lakewood, NJ #174 Lodge for 68 years and a member of the Order of the Eastern Star of New Jersey for 63 years. Recently, he received his 25 year award as a 32nd Degree Mason in the Scottish Rite.

Brad retired from a career with IBM as a Senior Engineer/Scientist after 30 years of service. His job took him all over the world; and in 1975, he was honored at a state dinner hosted by the President of Taiwan. He was an elite bowler and an avid golfer. Routinely, he would carry averages of over 200 and was one of the top bowlers in the state of New Jersey. He didn't take up golf until later in life and mastered the game quickly.

Brad was also an outstanding baseball coach. He won multiple championships with teams from Little League all the way up to American Legion.

He leaves behind to treasure his memory his devoted son, William Bradley (“Brad”) Matthews, Jr. and his wife, Ramona (Mona), of Concord, NC; five loving grandchildren, Karen R. Matthews of Charlotte, W. “Brad” (Mellena) Matthews, III, of Concord; Richard, David, and Brian Matthews all of Frederick, MD. He is preceded in death by his beloved wife and his son Richard B. Matthews who died May 17, 2002.

Memorial contributions may be made on behalf of Mr. Matthews to Hospice & Palliative Care of Cabarrus County, 5003 Hospice Lane, Kannapolis, NC 28081. A private burial service of his urn will be held, at a later date, in the family plot in Woodlawn Cemetery in Lakewood, NJ. In his true humble nature, Brad has requested no other service be held.

Brad will be forever missed by his loving and devoted family and many caring friends. May God grant him eternal rest.

Arrangements for Mr. Matthews are in the care of Hartsell Funeral home, 460 Branchview Drive, NE, Concord, NC. Online condolences may be shared at www.hartsellfh.com.