of Batesville, AR
January 23, 1923 - May 22, 2010
Eugene C. "Gene" Matthews of Bethesda died Saturday, May 22, 2010.
Mr. Matthews was born in Newark, Arkansas on January 23, 1923 to Ewing and Lula Matthews. On November 7, 1942, he married Sarah Ann Lusk and began a beautiful 67 year journey together.
In 1942, he enlisted in the U.S. Army and served in the Pacific during World War II. Mr. Matthews was a grocer for over 30 years. He never met a stranger and touched many lives through his business with his high spirited personality and laugh. He enjoyed water skiing, hunting, and fishing.
Mr. Matthews was a long time member of Pilgrims Rest Baptist Church were he served faithfully as a deacon for many years. He was a Gideon and past board member of the Independence County Baptist Association.
Mr. Matthews is survived by his wife, Sarah of Bethesda; three daughters, Carolyn McClure of Batesville, Sandy Deckard of Bethesda and Tammy Matthews of Yellville.
He was predeceased by a son, Danny Paul Matthews.
Mr. Matthews is survived by eight grandchildren, Sherry Hinze, Bobby McClure, Misty White, Jerry Paul Grissom, Bradley Matthews, Josh Parker, Gabe Parker and Zach Deckard; eight great-grandchildren; two-great-great-grandchildren and one brother Gerald Lawrence of Elmore, Alabama.
Visitation will be from 5:00-7:00 p.m., Sunday, May 23, 2010.
The funeral will be 10:00 am, Monday, May 24, 2010 at Pilgrims Rest Baptist Church in Bethesda with burial following at Oaklawn Cemetery.
The family requests that expressions of sympathy be made in the form of contributions to Pilgrims Rest Cemetery Trust, 686 Brooks Street, Batesville, AR 72501 and Marion County Nursing Home, P O Box 309, Yellville, AR 72687
The family would like to express its sincere appreciation to the caregivers at the Marion County Nursing Home for their professional and loving care during the past year.
Arrangements are under the directions of Roller-Crouch Funeral Home of Batesville.
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24 Condolence(s)
Mandy Lawrence Collom Killingsworth
Thursday, June 10, 2010
I met Gene through Gerald Lawrence. Although, I didn't know Gene very well our families were connected. I am so sorry for your loss. I am so saddened to be finding this out at such a late date. We love all of you and hope you are doing well.
With much love,
Mike, Mandy & Grant
Florine
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
Sarah,
I am so sorry to hear about your loss. Our family really miss going to the grocery store giving Gene a hard time. He will always be remembered.
You and the family are in our prayers.
"May the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body you are called to live in peace. Col 3:15"
Florine Brown Montgomery and Family
Juanice Carr
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
Dear Mrs. Sarah,
I am so sorry that I didn't learn of Mr. Gene's passing in time to pay respects at his service. He will always be part of my memory of "home church", I can't think of Pilgrim's Rest without thinking of you both. What a wonderful example of faith and love. My thoughts and prayers will continue to be with you and with your family. Much Love, Mrs. Sarah, Juanice (Swaim) Carr
D.L. & Patsy Lusk
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
Dear Sarah, we were sorry to hear about Gene's passing away. He was so much fun to be around and we always looked forward to seeing both of you when we came to Batesville. I have very fond memories of Gene. May God bless you and your family.
Larry and Louise Neyhart
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
Dear Sarah, Carolyn, Robert, Sandy and Tammy, our hearts and prayers go out to you during this time of loss. Uncle Gene was a unique person that we will miss. He always made our family gatherings so much fun and I will always treasure those memories.
All our love, Larry and Louise
Katheryn Hull Sharp
Monday, May 24, 2010
Mrs. Matthews and all the family. Mr. "Gene", what an unforgettable man. My brothers, Lowen, Jerry, and Larry Hull use to walk to their store in Bethesda for ice cream and candy. He always made us laugh and was one of the sweetest men you would ever want to know. I know that he is with our Lord. One day we will meet again. May God bless each one and look to Him for the comfort that only He can give. Katheryn
Janet
Monday, May 24, 2010
Dear Sarah, Carolyn,Sandy and Tammy,
Please know that GOD is close to the brokenhearted and he will help you during this difficult time.My thoughts and prayers will be with all of you.
It was my privilege to get to meet your dad when my dad and your uncle (Louis) took me and Janice to meet you guys. I am grateful for that time together with you. Your dad was a special guy!!! I hope we can stay in touch.
Love and prayers
Janet Reynolds
Bill & Brenda Chandler
Monday, May 24, 2010
Bill and I are so sorry that our wonderful uncle Gene is no longer with us. I have such great memories of him to cherish. Bill also always looked forward to seeing him at all the reunions and enjoyed his great sense of humor. God bless you all and we send our love.
Bill & Brenda
Ed & Diane McClure
Monday, May 24, 2010
So sorry we were out of town and did not know about Gene until today. We send you our thoughts & prayers for now and the days ahead. We know God will give all of you the strength to face each tomorrow. You have so many wonderful memories to cherish.
Tom and Janice Seely
Monday, May 24, 2010
Aunt Sarah, Carolyn, Sandy and Tammy,
I was so saddened to hear of your great loss. Sad for you but glad for Uncle Eugene. May Jesus dry your tears, calm your anxieties and remind you that you are not alone. May you feel the sense of His Presence.
"Now may our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father,, who loved us and by his grace gave us eternal comfort and a wonderful hope, comfort you and strengthen you in every good thing you do and say." II Thess. 2:16-17
You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Much Love!!!! Tom and Janice
Gloria Bell Sparrow
Monday, May 24, 2010
You all are in our thoughts and prayers.
Gene was loved by so many. He was so good to us Bell's. He helped make Bethesda a better place.
God bless you all.
Rick & Gloria Sparrow
Kay Southerland
Monday, May 24, 2010
Dear Matthews Family, I am so sad to hear of your loss. It is very difficult to lose a loved one.Sorry I was "under the weather" and could not visit in person. My prayers will be with you all.. Kay Southerland
Judy Branscum
Monday, May 24, 2010
Bobby,
So sorry for the loss of your Grandfather. May God encircle your family at this time.
Judy
David Dearmore
Monday, May 24, 2010
Tammy,
Sorry for your loss. The angels have another helper now. JoAnn & David
Tanya Jarrett, Citizens Bank
Monday, May 24, 2010
Carolyn and Family:
I'm saddened to hear of the loss of your father, and my prayer is that you will feel God's Amazing Peace. When I was a child what I remember most was his always smiling face when we would greet him at the Bethesda store. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Jamie Harland Mobley
Monday, May 24, 2010
Misty and family,
Please accept my most heartfelt sympathies for your loss…my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time.
Greg Shaver
Monday, May 24, 2010
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Mr. Matthews was a good man, and will be greatly missed.
Myrtle Hughes
Monday, May 24, 2010
Dear Sarah and Family, I am so sorry to hear about the passing of Bro "Gene". I have so many wonderful memories of your family. I pray that God will wrap His arms of love around you and the family, giving you comfort and peace as you face the days ahead (Psalm 23). Love Myrtle
Carl Glenn
Sunday, May 23, 2010
Dear Matthews Family,
Gene's rolling grocery store in the late 40's through my time in Bethesda is one of my fondest memories of that time. I will always remember the way he took care of my dad: "Fill up or $1.50?" was his question to Pop. Although I have not seen Gene for at least 25 years, he will always have a great place in my heart forever.
Carl Glenn
Delton D. Hughes
Sunday, May 23, 2010
Sarah, and all of the family. I am saddened at the passing of my friend, and the friends of many, Mr. Gene Matthews. Gene always had a way of making you feel good in his presence. I will always remember his favorite saying when asked how he was feeling. He would say, "I'm still enjoying bad health, how are you?" My thoughts and prayers are with the family.
Carol and Jamie Brunt
Sunday, May 23, 2010
Sarah Carolyn,Sandy, and Tammy,
We are sorry for your loss. I remember cutting wood and gathering crossties with Gene, along with all the activities at Pilgrim's Rest He was a fine man.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you
Bill $ Nancy Estes
Sunday, May 23, 2010
We are so sorry for your loss, but Gene is now in a far better place than we are. Even knowing that, it is never easy to lose a loved one. Our deepest condolences are with the family.
Johnnye & Frances Totty
Sunday, May 23, 2010
We were so sorry to hear of your loss and pray that you will find comfort in God during this time of sorrow.
Carolyn & J.W. Wammack
Saturday, May 22, 2010
We are sorry to hear about your loss. Mr. Matthews was a wonderful man. He loved his family. He is no longer suffering and is in a better place than us. Our prayers are with the Matthews' family.