Matthew, you were one of my first friends, and I consider myself incredibly lucky to have been able to grow up alongside you. Many of my favorite childhood memories involve you in some way, whether it be playing cops and robbers at our Fourth of July parties, playing cross the ocean at the pool, soccer in your backyard — there are simply too many to count. I admired how full of energy you were, partly because I could never keep up with you, but mainly because you had a zest for life that was infectious. You had such a radiant, joyful spirit as well as an incredible sense of humor that never failed to make me laugh. Thank you so much for your friendship and all of the memories. You will always have a special place in my heart. 

I miss you so much Matthew. Thinking back I can’t remember a single time that I was hanging out with you and I wasn’t laughing so hard my ribs hurt. You truly were one of the best people I’ve ever known, you always had that goofy smile and dance moves. You are missed terribly by so many of us but you will never be forgotten about. You were a light in so many peoples lives and you will continue to be that for everyone. I hope you are finally at peace. Love you forever.

Your friend,

Kaitlyn

Matthew, I miss you so much man. I’ll always remember you for the joyful, funny, kind and encouraging person you are.  Getting to grow up with Matthew and be his friend was awesome; countless nights up late laughing, driving around in his Jeep, and going off campus for lunch to hangout with friends are some memories I will cherish the most. I’ll always remember his big smile and goofy laugh that was contagious.  Matthew was somebody who you could always count on to help you out when you needed it most and always one to brighten up everyone’s day just by being around him.  I can’t believe your gone Mathew and I wish you could know how dearly missed you are man. We love you Matthew, rest easy my friend. 

I remember first moving to North Carolina as a 9 year old kid. I was terrified and nervous about making new friends. Matthew went out of his way to welcome me into his group of friends and I will forever be grateful for the years we spent playing sports, capture the flag, or whatever else Matthew had prepared for us. The hundreds of trips up and down the hill between houses, the hours spent telling stories, and the years spent making memories will be how I remember Matthew. He was a great leader, but an even better friend. He impacted so many lives in a positive way during his life. I will forever be grateful for the cool older kid welcoming me into his life and making me feel at home. Thank you for everything Matthew, I am praying for you and your family. Rest In Peace. 

Cooper

Matthew Umstead, we met in the first grade and became best friends for the next few years to come.  Whether it was tag at recess, you coming over to my house to "play", or in middle school joking around at soccer practice, you always made it a good time.  I truly regret we didn't get a chance to hangout since the Lufkin days.  I will always hold your memory and our friendship dearly.  Rest In Peace.

Your Friend, 

Jack

Matthew Umstead we grew up together and I can’t recall any day when you weren’t smiling. Playing soccer will not be the same, home will not be the same, and I will never really be the same. From laughing while we broke Rishis hoop, to pranking Mueller and Jonah, to our first “meeting” at subway. All these memories I will hold close to me and I will never forget what you meant to me and many others. I love you main dude and once again I’m sorry I couldn’t help you as I know you would have helped me. Rest peacefully my friend.

Your friend,

Brent 

Matthew, I’m so thankful to have grown up with you. You are a blessing to all of us. You have touched so many peoples lives. Thank you for all of our memories. I will never forget playing in a big mud pond, riding four wheelers through the woods, you sleeping on my floor cuddled up in my comforter because you put my AC down to 60 degrees. You never failed to make me laugh. I will never forget our times. I’m so thankful that my last words to you were “I love you i’ll see you later”.

I love you Matt. Fly high and rest easy. 

On Sunday morning, one of my very first, very closest childhood friends passed away. I grew up in a neighborhood called Hollands Crossing, and was extremely fortunate to live in a cul-de-sac filled with kids all around the same age. Matthew was two years younger than me but infinitely cooler than me, and he’s a part of all of my best childhood memories. I remember how we hollowed out a hole in some bushes and pretended it was a fort, and talked about how one day we’d put a mini-fridge inside. How we’d share my favorite soda, Ale-8-One(which we could only get when my Gramps would visit from Kentucky and bring me a few cases), in my garage with the other cul-de-sac kids. How we’d toss that little yellow and black Nerf football together and talk about life. How every time I’d get hurt and cry(which was very often), he’d say “Do you want a cheeseburger and fries?” and I’d laugh and feel better. In hindsight, maybe that wasn’t the funniest joke, but to little-kid-Calvin it was hilarious. How we’d play these insane, amazing, extremely dramatic games of Cops and Robbers late into the night. One night, we were playing as the robbers, and we’d found this great hiding spot up on the edge of the street behind some bushes, and we thought “no one will ever find us here”! And no one did(all the other kids gave up and went inside). Trick-or-treating together. Cookouts in Gray’s backyard. Eventually, we both moved out of Hollands Crossing, and while we still got together for cookouts and stuff with the old neighbors, we didn’t see each other as much. The last time Matthew and I saw each other in person, he was probably 16. I used to think, often, about how when we were all older we’d get together for drinks and talk about our lives. How maybe our kids would get to play together like we did. Matthew, I am so heartbroken that you are gone, but I am overwhelmed with so much joy that I got to grow up beside you. Thank you for all of the memories, you will always be in my heart.

Matthew is one of the first people that come to mind when I think of someone who radiates pure joy. I had many classes with him in high school and I will never forget his smile. No matter what kind of day I was having, sitting next to Matthew in class always made my day better. One of my favorite memories with Matthew is from junior year when our assigned parking spots were directly across from each-other. We would always get to school right at the warning bell and be racing into the building together to make it on time. About once a week I would get a text from him letting me know I need a lesson or two in parking as I was halfway in his spot sometimes. I miss these days and the many laughs we shared. I am incredibly heartbroken knowing he is no longer here with us. I wish more than anything here with his loving family and friends but I know he is now at peace and with the one who loves him most. Heaven is so lucky to have Matthew.

My husband and I h ave often heard Chris  speak highly of his family and Matthew was one of them. We are so sorry for your loss, may the Lord wrap his arms around all of you for comfort and support through out this loss. Prayers for all  for strength and comfort.


We are truly sorry for your loss.  Matthew had the sweetest smile! I’ll never forget how AWESOME he was at BMX and his gorgeous blonde hair.   I will treasure our BMX memories forever!! You all will always be in our thoughts and prayers!!! 

Michelle,

I haven't seen you in a couple of years, but I will always treasure the time we spent on the sidelines watching our boys play soccer.  Brayden and Matt seemed to really enjoy each other and have kept in touch since they shared a team.  All of us have been so saddened by the news.  Please know that you have our prayers and if you need anything at all, reach out.  

There are no words, but I read this today and thought of you:    
 "(38) For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, (39) neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:  38-39.

Lifting you up,

Susan Durham-Lozaw (and Carmen, Walker, Brady, and Barrett)

My heart breaks for your family.   My prayers are with you during this very difficult time. 

Darren, Michelle and family,  please know our hearts are breaking for you and we will keep all of you in our thoughts and prayers.  We are deeply sorry for your loss. 

Justin & Deb Woolcock

Matthew....we spent so much time together I can’t believe your actually gone. I don’t think I would have ever imagined growing up without you I always knew you’d have my back till the end and you always did. I tried to have yours I’m sorry if anything wasn’t enough. But Matthew was always my favorite guy to see everywhere from going out to the soccer field, he always brought some laughter and positivity to the situation. A lot of people will miss you more than you ever would have thought. Love you always brother. 

These words will inevitably fall short; but, Matthew was always the sweet, loyal, and absolutely hilarious friend who's simple presence could even bring a smile to someone's face. 

Thinking especially of his family during this time and that main group of guys that never left each others side in high school. Matthew seriously had the most solid friends and I pray this time brings those guys closer together rather than doubting the goodness of God's heart or life in general. 

We love & miss you Matthew
Psalm 116

We will always remember our vacations we spent together in Cancun the times on the golf courses there and the smiles and laughter you created amongst us. We will never forget how proud you made your mom and dad. So many hearts are saddened and broken Mathew and no words can ever be spoken to describe what you have been to your brother and sister. God Bless you and your family In this time of need. Darren and Michelle we have you in our hearts and prayers.

To someone who has put an impact on everyone’s life.. to someone who didn’t have the choice but to put a smile on everyone’s face, every single time you saw him. Matthew was not only an amazing person but an even better friend. He was the one you could always count on, no matter what the situation or favor was his heart was always in the best place and was always looking to help people out. I cannot imagine how not only my life but our friend group lives would be without Matthew in it. He was the life of the party and the one who every one could not wait to arrive. God bless your heart Matthew and just know, you will be incredibly missed and still loved forever. Watch over us brother, much love. We will see eachother again. 

Matt was the comedian of the soccer team. I couldn’t have asked for a better teammate or friend to share 3 seasons of soccer with. Matt was always cracking jokes, being goofy, and made sure all of us laughed at him at least once a practice. Love you buddy, gonna miss you ❤️

Matthew, the light and best dancer at every party, I can’t believe this happened. I will never forget your laugh and how contagious it was. The impact you had on a whole community of people still blows my mind. You are missed and loved and will be forever. I know you are dancing and living it up in that better place. You will be with all of us forever and we will never forget you. 

Family, I am thinking of you guys and you all are in my prayers. I wish you all peace of mind and comfort within moments to come. Matthew will always be apart of you and follow you wherever you are. ❤️. 

Please know that your family is in our thoughts and prayers. 

Umstead!!  My heart is broken that I shall never be able to call out to this special young man again.  Matthew was “mine” for four precious years ...  from his freshman year in my room until he graduated from HSHS.   His smile would light the classroom, or the hallway, wherever he chose to greet me.   He always came back, always stopped by .... “Mrs. McKinney,  can you write me a pass?”  And I always would.   Umstead, you are so loved and are so missed by so many.   Love you Buddy. 

The goofiest friend I’ve ever had. My best memories are with Matthew. The past four years with him and our friends is something I’ll never forget. From all nighters, to squad dinners, to driving to nowhere with the windows down, and to countless hours of video games with Ryan and Cameron. The worst situations were always better when he was there. The greatest group of friends I could’ve ever asked for and nothing will be the same without him, but, I know he is still here with us. 
To Matthew, I know the party has started up in heaven and keep working on those killer dance moves up there for us. Thank you for everything. We all love you forever and always and we’re so lucky to have had you. 

Matthew was an amazing guy who will be remembered forever. He had the biggest heart and the greatest sense of humor. It’s impossible to describe how beautiful of a person he was and I wish he saw the same in himself. I’m lucky to call Matthew my forever friend and I know he’ll be shining down on us every day. I will cherish our memories forever.. it hurts to think I’ll never hear your goofy laugh again. I’m happy you are finally at peace and I hope you know how loved you are and how much we already miss you. I love you forever Matthew I can’t wait to see you again🌟💗

Matt was the sweetest kid with the best smile. He would greet me at my door and slowed down to ask about my day. He was always happy to help others. I am so saddened to hear the news of his passing and I am sending out love and prayers during this time to his family. 

The last thing a teacher wants to hear is that a student they loved has passed away. Matthew was always special to me- we joked, we laughed, he got in trouble with me, but I always forgave him right away. Matthew is unforgettable just by being himself. He was always so genuine and always went out of his way to say hi and ask me how I was. His loss devastates me, and my prayers and love go to his family and friends. I am so sorry to hear that his light was extinguished so soon. 

matthew was such a light in my life all throughout middle school. He made everyone laugh around him constantly. Our middle school track 1 “pod” was so extremely close and I’m glad we stayed in touch after middle school, he was my “first boyfriend” in middle school and was always goofing off with cameron or archie, my best memories from that stage in my life always involved matthew archie and cameron. Rest In Peace matthew, you will be missed 

Matthew Umpstead will forever be my brother. Growing up with him for most of my life, he will always have a special place in my heart.  I know i will have comfort remembering all the long drives we had, to the countless hours of hanging out and laughing till our stomachs hurt. We grew up together and needless to say, i wouldn’t wanted to have anyone else by my side through all the tough years of growing up. No matter what either of us went through, we always had each others back.  Going on in life i hope i always hear his goofy laugh in the back of my mind. I will always love Matthew and his family like no other.  I know he will be watching over us at all times and i look forward to seeing my brother again one day.
I love you Matthew, always and forever. 

Matthew to Fellowship Hall to support Partner Scholarship Fund

Wake's First Recovery High School

Visitation

Funeral Service

Matthew is survived by his loving parents, Darren Umstead and Michelle English Umstead, siblings; Zach Umstead and Kate Umstead, grandparents; Dave & Barb English, Sam & Marie Barber, uncle, Chris English.  He is preceded in death by his grandfather, Harry Umstead.

OBITUARY

Matthew Dylan Umstead

July 17, 1999 – September 16, 2018

Apex Funeral Home

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