Matthew James Unruh

Matthew James Unruh went home to be with his Savior, Jesus Christ, on Sunday, July 26, 2026. He was born on May 8, 1990, in Wichita, Kansas, and was the beloved firstborn son of his parents, Ted and Christina Unruh of Cary, North Carolina.

Matthew spent his childhood in both Kansas and North Carolina before making his permanent home in Raleigh, North Carolina. In addition to his parents, Matthew is survived by his girlfriend, Asia Elliott of Raleigh, his sister, Caroline of Cary and his brother, Joshua also of Cary. He is also survived by his grandparents, Allen and Cheryl Unruh of Deerfield, Kansas along with several aunts, uncles, nieces, and cousins in Kansas, California and North Dakota.

Matthew built an outstanding professional career as a billing specialist, serving respected law firms in the Triangle including Cranfill Sumner LLP and Wyrick Robbins, before most recently working as an IT Specialist at Elite Technologies. He earned the admiration of attorneys and colleagues alike for his concierge-style service approach, unwavering professionalism, and the increasingly rare qualities of humility, integrity, leadership, and genuine care for others. Matthew believed that honor was not simply a workplace value but a way of life.

Though accomplished in his career, Matthew would likely have said that none of those achievements defined him. The central focus of his life was Jesus Christ, whom he faithfully served and with whom he now resides in glory.

For more than ten years, Matthew began each morning praying and worshiping with his mother over the phone. No matter what circumstances life brought, he never declined an opportunity to pray with someone. Beside his computer rested his Bible, and throughout his workday he often listened to songs of worship that filled his heart with peace and joy.

Matthew knew adversity, yet he often shared that life's struggles drew him closer to God's purpose for his life. Though he did not identify with any religious denomination, he simply described himself as a Jesus follower, Redeemed, “Free Indeed”, and a servant of the King of Kings. During the past year, he became increasingly burdened to share the Gospel with others. He sought new ways to encourage family and friends through messages filled with Scripture, hope, reconciliation, and the promise of eternal life through Jesus Christ.

One message he wrote reflects the faith that shaped every part of his life:

"When thinking about your identity, start with who God calls you, not with what you've done: Forgiven. Beloved. If you don't believe it, look in your Bible. A person's past isn't evidence that we have failed God; it's the place where God was already at work, shaping us. Scripture tells us that God chooses the weak, the overlooked, the unimpressive—and that reframes everything for me. The things I thought disqualified me might be the very things God is using. I don't bring a polished story—I bring a redeemed one. God doesn't wait for perfect materials. He builds with what's real. The Lord meets us inside brokenness, not after we clean it up. When I look back on the past, my question isn't, 'Why did this happen?' but 'Where was God quietly present?' My story isn't meant to distinguish me from others or make me special. The Cross levels us. The past becomes a bridge, not a badge—something God can use to strengthen or encourage someone else".

Those who knew Matthew will remember not only his steadfast faith but also his gentle voice, humility, and deep love for family. He was a devoted son who cherished his parents, siblings, and extended family. He found great joy and peace in God's creation. His happiest memories were rooted in his Kansas childhood—days spent building sandcastles in backyard sandboxes, racing through slip-and-slides, collecting rocks and Pokémon cards, and roaming the fields of his grandparents' farm during endless summers. It was in those wide-open fields and in the beauty of nature that Matthew understood himself and felt especially close to God.

Matthew's absence leaves an immeasurable void in the hearts of those who loved him. While his family grieves deeply, they also rejoice in the assurance that he is now whole, at peace, and in the presence of the Savior he loved so dearly.

A funeral service celebrating Matthew's life will be held on August 12 at 11:00 a.m. at Swift Creek Baptist Church. All those who knew and loved Matthew are welcome to attend.

In lieu of flower arrangements, the family welcomes condolence cards sharing personal memories or reflections of Matthew's life, donations to charities serving the homeless, and living plants that may continue to grow and be shared with others. These may be sent directly to Swift Creek Baptist Church in Raleigh at 9300 Penny Rd, Raleigh, NC 27606. Call 919-851-0112 between 9 am and 2 pm for admittance to the sanctuary on August 11th) OR send them to Brown-Wynne Funeral Home in Cary, NC on or before August 10th.

"Well done, good and faithful servant." — Matthew 25:23

Memorial tributes and messages of sympathy can be left by clicking the "Add a Memory" box below. Brown Wynne of Cary is honored to serve the Unruh family.