Matthew Smith, Jr.

Matthew Smith, Jr. was the second of fifteen children born to Matthew Smith, Sr. and the late Evangie Lee Merchant Smith in Cedar Lake, Texas on December 23, 1943.   Matthew attended elementary school, public middle school and Hilliard High School in Bay City, Texas; later graduating from Culinary School and moving to Houston, Texas.  He became a Chef and was the first black to work in Bay City Country Club.  Matthew worked several jobs to include:  selling carpet for Taylor Steve’s and QP’s Grocery Store in Bay City and in Houston as a baggage handler for Delta Airlines; but being a chef was his passion.  He became an overnight success on Good Morning America with his restaurant called West Gray Cafe.  His life long career of 50 years as a chef prompted him to venture into different job opportunities.  Matthew was owner of Matthew’s, the club on Fuqua and Almeda; Beverage Director for Lakewood Yacht Club, owner of Matt’s restaurant and managing Bubba’s Shrimp Palace.   Matthew enjoyed fishing with his father and shared his catching with friends and neighbors who didn’t mind cleaning the fish.   On March 25, 2008, Matthew married Vickie Lynn Matthews.  She was a loyal and devoted wife that remained by her husband’s side until death.   Matthew was preceded in death by his mother, Evangie Lee Merchant Smith and sisters:  Peggy Knowles and Alma Lee Spiller.  On Tuesday, August 30, 2016, Matthew Smith, Jr. would catch many fish in Heaven with our Almighty God.  He leaves to cherish is memories:  his loving wife Vickie Smith of Houston, Texas; father, Matthew Smith, Sr. of Bay City; two daughters, Avis Smith of Illinois and Courtney Joubert of Houston, Texas; eight boys:  Allen Smith of Bay City, Anthony Smith (Michelle) of Angleton, Andre Smith (Latricia) of Clear Lake, Kevin Smith of Houston, Roderick Smith (Bonita) of Houston, Joshua Joubert of Houston, Kevin Clark (Vanessa) of Florida and Johnell Davis (Nakida), thirty grandchildren and twelve great grandchildren.   He shares loving relation with siblings and in laws:  Grace King (Donnie), Jessie Brooks (Alvin Jr.), Nancy Harmon (Kenneth), Kennetha Tolbert (Henry), Sharon Williams, Patricia Williams (Greg), Elnora Moore(Cunnie), Elma Allen (Artis), Charles Smith (Jerlyn), Purvis Smith, Kenneth Matthews (brother-in-law) and Joyce Matthews (mother-in-law) and a host of nephews, nieces, other relatives and friends.