James Franklin Matthews

James Franklin Matthews, born July 3, 1940, went to be with The Lord on Friday, December 6, 2019. He was born in Cedar Bluff, Mississippi, to Louie Bell Mathews and Nyleen Winfield Mathews. He attended Pheba High School and joined the United States Air Force. He later relocated to Mobile and worked as an electrician at Scott Paper Company for more than 35 years before retirement. He was an avid golfer and has also been an active church member of Crawford United Methodist since 1980, where he served on various committees.

He is survived by his children, Michael Dean Matthews (Amy), Alexis Castillo, Angela Matthews Payne (Craige); grandchildren, Mary Elizabeth Dukes (Brent), JamieDay Montgomery (Drew), Isabella Grace Castillo, Tyler Michael Payne, Nicholas James Payne; great grandchildren, Landon Michael Dukes, Mary Jordan Dukes; siblings, Bettye Sue Mathews Colbert, John Mathews, Richard Mathews, Thomas Mathews, Becky Mathews Leech; as well as numerous cousins, nieces, nephews and extended family.

He is preceded in death by his beloved wife of 49 years, Yvonne Lewis Matthews; daughter, Nicole Matthews Castillo; grandson, Christian Alexis Castillo; parents, Louie Bell Mathews and Nyleen Winfield Mathews; brother, Louie Bell Mathews, Jr.

The family will receive friends on Friday, Dec. 13, from 9:30 a.m. - 11 a.m. with the service beginning at 11 a.m. at Crawford United Methodist Church, 7470 Moffett Rd., Mobile, AL 36618. He will be laid to rest immediately following on church grounds. Radney Funeral Home will be directing. In lieu of flowers, please send donations in his memory to Crawford United Methodist Church Fund.