Martin Dow Matthews

He was born on March 12, 1928 in Hoke County, NC, son of the late Annie Laura Green Matthews and Wesley C. Matthews. He is also preceded in death by his 4 sisters, Nancy Matthews Schorr, Edna Matthews Russell, Linda Matthews and Annie Margaret Matthews Clark.

Martin has a combination of 22 dedicated years serving both the U.S. Navy during WWII and the U.S. Air Force from which he retired as a Master Sergeant. After his career in the Air Force he went on to work for the Federal Aviation Administration.

He was a member of Temple Baptist Church and enjoyed working outside in his garden. He loved spending time with his family and friends. He will sadly be missed by all that knew him.

Martin is survived by his wife of 51 years, Janie Hunt Matthews; daughter, Nancy Lorena (Lori) Matthews; 2 sisters, Evelyn Matthews-Beck and Olivia Matthews Foutch; brother, Jerry Matthews and wife Bernice ; sisters-in-law, Bettie Hunt and Joyce H. Smith.

Visitation will be held from 1:00pm to 2:00pm on Thursday, January 23, 2014 at Coble Ward-Smith Funeral Services, 3915 Oleander Drive, Wilmington, NC 28403.

Funeral Service will be held at 2:00pm on Thursday, January 23, 2014 at Coble Ward-Smith Funeral Services with Dr. Steve A. Spangler and Rev Billy Batten of Temple Baptist Church officiating.

Graveside Service and Military Honors will follow at Oleander Memorial Gardens, 306 Bradley Drive Wilmington, NC 28409.

The family would like to thank his caregiver, Lorna Pettit, and all the staff of Wilmington Health and Rehab for all their love and care of Martin.

Memorial Contribution can be made to Temple Baptist Church, 1801 Market Street, Wilmington, NC 28403.

The staff of Coble Ward- Smith Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Martin Dow Matthews.