William Henry Matthews Jr.

Bill was the eldest of four brothers born to the late Avanelle M. Matthews and the late Col. William H. Matthews Sr (USAF, Ret.). With his father often deployed while serving his country, Bill steadfastly supported his mother in helping to maintain the household and care for his younger brothers. Bill attended Fairborn High School in Ohio where he played football and was president of the Wright-Patterson Teen Club. Bill also achieved the prestigious rank of Eagle Scout for his leadership and commitment to serving his community. He was later selected to the Order of the Arrow (OA), and then hand-picked to receive the Vigil Honor for his distinguished contributions.

Bill’s desire to follow in his father’s footsteps led him to enlist in the Air Force after high school graduation. He completed his basic training at Lackland AFB in San Antonio, TX and was then transferred to McConnell AFB in Wichita, KS, where he earned the final rank of E-4, Senior Airman and was discharged in December 1965.

After completing his military duty, Bill attended the University of Texas at Austin, where he earned a Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering. While in Austin, he also met his future wife, Shirley A. Dittemore. They were married July 4, 1970 and, subsequently, had four children.

Bill moved his family to Lancaster, CA to begin his professional career as an Air Force civil servant at Edwards AFB. He held assignments as an Aerospace Engineer and Flight Test Engineer. Bill was often spotted tipping his wings flying over the family home during flight tests. In 1979, Bill and his family relocated to San Antonio, where Bill dutifully cared for his ailing father until his passing at age 63, and continued to look after his mother until her passing at age 75. During this time, Bill maintained his civil service career at Kelly AFB Air Logistics Center (ALC). Bill retired as a GS12 when the ALC closed on July 13, 2001.

Bill is predeceased by his wife Shirley A. Matthews on July 29, 1996, daughter Marilyn A. Towles on October 17, 2009 and son, PFC William H. Matthews III (US Army, Ret.) on August 8, 2010.

He is survived by his son Scott W. Matthews; daughter Genna R Martini; grandsons Matteo Martini, Cody Hubbert, Chase Hubbert and Colton Witt; granddaughters Emerie Pallos and Aubrey Pallos; and brothers, Lt. Col. Warren (Jay) Matthews (USAF, Ret.), John S. (Jack) Matthews and Capt. Bruce A. Matthews (former USAF).

While unfailingly private in his personal life, Bill will be remembered for his dedicated service to his country and community, his quirky sense of humor, his love for hunting and line dancing, his legendary smoked brisket and his ability to slay any jalapeno eating challenge.

A brief service to honor Bill’s life will be held prior to interment at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery on Friday, December 9, 2022 at 10:15am. Attendees are asked to arrive at least 15 minutes prior and will be directed to gather in the vehicle processional area. The graveside service will be performed in a fully accessible, covered assembly area. Bill will be buried next to his wife, Shirley, immediately following the service.