Bobby Reid Matthews Sr.

NEW BERN - Bobby Reid Matthews, Sr., 80, of New Bern died Sunday, May 29, 2011, peacefully at his home after a long illness.

Bobby was self-employed and owner of Matthews Boats. He was well known in Eastern North Carolina for his Matthews "Bateau" boat which he designed and custom built for many years. He was a member of Rhems United Methodist Church and was a Korean War Veteran.

Bobby was a loving husband, father and "Daddy Bobby." He is survived by his wife, Ann Simmons Matthews of New Bern; one son, Bobby Reid Matthews, Jr. and wife, Maria of New Bern; two daughters, Kay Matthews Dentico and husband, Steve of New Bern and Beth Matthews Jackson and husband, Chris of Lumberton; one sister, Linda Matthews Baxter and husband, John of New Bern; eight grandchildren: Melanie Ann Matthews, Bobby R. Matthews III, George Michael Matthews, Stephen L. Dentico, Kymberly D. Drennen, Matthew Reid Powell, Morgan A. Jackson, and John M. Jackson; and two great grandchildren, Kameron Conlin and Benjamin Drennen.

A memorial service will be held Thursday, June 2, 2011 at 11:00 a.m. at Cotten Funeral Home Chapel. The family will receive friends on Wednesday, June 1, 2011 from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at Cotten Funeral Home.

Contributions may be made to Rhems United Methodist Church, 1037 Washington Post Road, New Bern, NC 28562.

Condolences may be offered at www.cottenfuneralhome.com.

Arrangements by Cotten Funeral Home & Crematory.

Published in Sun Journal from May 31 to June 3, 2011