Bobby Eugene Matthews, age 92, of Conover, passed away on Sunday, January 31, 2021 at his residence after a brief illness. Born December 9, 1928 in Catawba County, he was the son of the late Robert Jones and Metta Hefner Matthews. He was the second child and first son of his parents, who welcomed 5 more children.
Bobby spent his entire life in Conover, a town he loved dearly. He was reared knowing the value of hard work. In addition to helping with the family farming, he worked summers at Sipe’s Orchard Home, walking miles there and back, earning 7 cents an hour, 12 hours a day picking fruit. He also drove a school bus while he was a student. There was even a stint at Warlong Glove Mill. He was educated in schools in Catawba County and graduated from Newton Conover High School. After graduation, he and his buddy, Glenn Smith, ventured to Detroit to work in the automobile industry. There they secured jobs at a Ford Plant in River Rouge welding bumpers at night. Returning from Detroit, he and his buddy joined the Army in 1948. Bobby was stationed in South Carolina, Texas, and Washington, until he was honorably discharged with the rank of Sergeant and having earned a medal for sharp shooting.
After returning to Conover, he worked at Carolina Mills, but left for a job as a brick mason for which he developed a passion. He mastered this craft which helped form his lifelong career. Bobby and his wife, Frankie began a family business out of their home in 1955, B. E. Matthews Construction Company. Most of the early years involved building homes. In 1969 he purchased and renovated the old Conova Theater building into company headquarters. In 1974 Bobby founded Conover Hardware, and in 1979 he purchased the Saunders building and renovated it into office space. As the business expanded, his children began joining it, specifically sons Gary and Andy, who helped their dad become a successful, multi state, award-winning builder. Today the company operates offices in both the Conover headquarters and in Charlotte.
Bobby’s interests and contributions were many. From his childhood he maintained his love of gardening, producing enough for family and friends. Hunting was a passion. He hunted all over North America, telling his family stories they will never forget. Fishing was also a joy. An active member of Catawba Country Club, he loved golf and was fortunate to be able to play on some of the most famous courses in the United States and the United Kingdom. Ireland was his favorite where he played with his son-in-law,Tom Considine. Bob always worked and played hard especially with his good friend, Fred Harman. Side-by-side Bob and Fred, who preceded him in death, made all of these pursuits great fun and relived them many times. In addition to the fun times, Bobby was proud of being a founding member of the Catawba County Masonry Association. He also served on the People’s Bank Board of Directors for 32 years. On August 5, 2019, the Conover City Council presented Bobby with a key to the city for his outstanding contributions to the community. Although too many to list, a few of the local building projects include Conover City Hall, Lee Industries, People’s Bank, and Interstate Foam.
Sunday was his favorite day. He was a man of strong faith, telling his family many times to remember the Lord is in control. He loved to attend services, dressed in his suit and tie, ready to worship and sing. He had those same expectations for his family. Always involved, he served his church on many boards and committees. He was first to lend a hand or his company’s services to make a repair or improvement to the church when needed.
In addition to his parents, Bobby was preceded in death by his infant son, Roger, his great grandson Cody Harrelson, his sisters; Kathleen Matthews Robinson (Solon), Jean Matthews, Martha Matthews Holtzlander (Eugene), Dorothy Matthews Laughlin (Harley), and Mary Nell Matthews.
Survivors include the mother of his children, Frankie Moser Matthews; his children and their families, Vicki Matthews Shull and husband Roger; Beverly Matthews Considine and husband Tom; granddaughter, Jana Sweezy and husband Tiger; grandson, Chad Whitmire; great granddaughter, Britney Moses Lundy and husband Cameron; great-great-granddaughter, Lillyanne; great-great- grandson, William; Gary Matthews and wife Marigene; grandson, Brian Roberts; grandson, Andrew Matthews and wife Susan; great-granddaughter Allie; great-grandsons, Isaac and Jacob; Penny Matthews and husband Mark Long; grandson, Adam Campbell and wife Amanda; great-grandson, James; Andy Matthews and wife Amy; grandsons, Collin and Connor; brother, Richard Matthews and wife Revonda and their family; and special niece, Donna Hager and her family. Because Bobby loved family, he considered himself doubly blessed. In addition to those previously mentioned, he regarded his work force, both past and present, his family, and inspired mutual respect and love between himself and them.
The family would like to thank Bobby’s four special caregivers: Anita, Renee, Mary, and Mandy. His last 2 weeks were blessed with their presence. Family friend and adopted son, Dr. Billy Price, guided Bob through his last days.
A celebration of life service will be held at Concordia Lutheran Church in Conover on Friday,
February 5 at 1:00 pm with Pastor Michael Geml presiding. A private burial will follow. Pallbearers are Chad Whitmire, Brian Roberts, Andrew Matthews, Adam Campbell, Collin Matthews, and Connor Matthews.
The body will lie in state in the church sanctuary from 11:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. Because of COVID-19, the family will not be present to receive. Masks and social distancing are required. The service will be live-streamed on the Concordia Lutheran Church Facebook page.
Memorials may be given to: Concordia Lutheran Church, 216 Fifth Avenue SE, Conover, NC 28613; Concordia Christian Day School, 215 Fifth Avenue SE, Conover, NC. 28613-191; University Christian High School, 602 Seventh Avenue NE, Hickory, NC. 28601; or Camp Linn Haven, PO Box 1096, Conover, NC. 28613
Condolences may be sent to the Matthews family at www.drumfh-conover.com
The Matthews family has entrusted funeral arrangements to Drum Funeral Home & Cremation Services in Conover, NC.
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