OBITUARY

Bobby Eugene Matthews

December 9, 1928 – January 31, 2021

Bobby Eugene Matthews, age 92, of Conover, passed away on Sunday, January 31, 2021 at his residence after a brief illness. Born December 9, 1928 in Catawba County, he was the son of the late Robert Jones and Metta Hefner Matthews. He was the second child and first son of his parents, who welcomed 5 more children.

Bobby spent his entire life in Conover, a town he loved dearly. He was reared knowing the value of hard work. In addition to helping with the family farming, he worked summers at Sipe’s Orchard Home, walking miles there and back, earning 7 cents an hour, 12 hours a day picking fruit. He also drove a school bus while he was a student. There was even a stint at Warlong Glove Mill. He was educated in schools in Catawba County and graduated from Newton Conover High School. After graduation, he and his buddy, Glenn Smith, ventured to Detroit to work in the automobile industry. There they secured jobs at a Ford Plant in River Rouge welding bumpers at night. Returning from Detroit, he and his buddy joined the Army in 1948. Bobby was stationed in South Carolina, Texas, and Washington, until he was honorably discharged with the rank of Sergeant and having earned a medal for sharp shooting.

After returning to Conover, he worked at Carolina Mills, but left for a job as a brick mason for which he developed a passion. He mastered this craft which helped form his lifelong career. Bobby and his wife, Frankie began a family business out of their home in 1955, B. E. Matthews Construction Company. Most of the early years involved building homes. In 1969 he purchased and renovated the old Conova Theater building into company headquarters. In 1974 Bobby founded Conover Hardware, and in 1979 he purchased the Saunders building and renovated it into office space. As the business expanded, his children began joining it, specifically sons Gary and Andy, who helped their dad become a successful, multi state, award-winning builder. Today the company operates offices in both the Conover headquarters and in Charlotte.

Bobby’s interests and contributions were many. From his childhood he maintained his love of gardening, producing enough for family and friends. Hunting was a passion. He hunted all over North America, telling his family stories they will never forget. Fishing was also a joy. An active member of Catawba Country Club, he loved golf and was fortunate to be able to play on some of the most famous courses in the United States and the United Kingdom. Ireland was his favorite where he played with his son-in-law,Tom Considine. Bob always worked and played hard especially with his good friend, Fred Harman. Side-by-side Bob and Fred, who preceded him in death, made all of these pursuits great fun and relived them many times. In addition to the fun times, Bobby was proud of being a founding member of the Catawba County Masonry Association. He also served on the People’s Bank Board of Directors for 32 years. On August 5, 2019, the Conover City Council presented Bobby with a key to the city for his outstanding contributions to the community. Although too many to list, a few of the local building projects include Conover City Hall, Lee Industries, People’s Bank, and Interstate Foam.

Sunday was his favorite day. He was a man of strong faith, telling his family many times to remember the Lord is in control. He loved to attend services, dressed in his suit and tie, ready to worship and sing. He had those same expectations for his family. Always involved, he served his church on many boards and committees. He was first to lend a hand or his company’s services to make a repair or improvement to the church when needed.

In addition to his parents, Bobby was preceded in death by his infant son, Roger, his great grandson Cody Harrelson, his sisters; Kathleen Matthews Robinson (Solon), Jean Matthews, Martha Matthews Holtzlander (Eugene), Dorothy Matthews Laughlin (Harley), and Mary Nell Matthews.

Survivors include the mother of his children, Frankie Moser Matthews; his children and their families, Vicki Matthews Shull and husband Roger; Beverly Matthews Considine and husband Tom; granddaughter, Jana Sweezy and husband Tiger; grandson, Chad Whitmire; great granddaughter, Britney Moses Lundy and husband Cameron; great-great-granddaughter, Lillyanne; great-great- grandson, William; Gary Matthews and wife Marigene; grandson, Brian Roberts; grandson, Andrew Matthews and wife Susan; great-granddaughter Allie; great-grandsons, Isaac and Jacob; Penny Matthews and husband Mark Long; grandson, Adam Campbell and wife Amanda; great-grandson, James; Andy Matthews and wife Amy; grandsons, Collin and Connor; brother, Richard Matthews and wife Revonda and their family; and special niece, Donna Hager and her family. Because Bobby loved family, he considered himself doubly blessed. In addition to those previously mentioned, he regarded his work force, both past and present, his family, and inspired mutual respect and love between himself and them.

The family would like to thank Bobby’s four special caregivers: Anita, Renee, Mary, and Mandy. His last 2 weeks were blessed with their presence. Family friend and adopted son, Dr. Billy Price, guided Bob through his last days.

A celebration of life service will be held at Concordia Lutheran Church in Conover on Friday, February 5 at 1:00 pm with Pastor Michael Geml presiding. A private burial will follow. Pallbearers are Chad Whitmire, Brian Roberts, Andrew Matthews, Adam Campbell, Collin Matthews, and Connor Matthews.

The body will lie in state in the church sanctuary from 11:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. Because of COVID-19, the family will not be present to receive. Masks and social distancing are required. The service will be live-streamed on the Concordia Lutheran Church Facebook page.

Memorials may be given to: Concordia Lutheran Church, 216 Fifth Avenue SE, Conover, NC 28613; Concordia Christian Day School, 215 Fifth Avenue SE, Conover, NC. 28613-191; University Christian High School, 602 Seventh Avenue NE, Hickory, NC. 28601; or Camp Linn Haven, PO Box 1096, Conover, NC. 28613

Condolences may be sent to the Matthews family at www.drumfh-conover.com

The Matthews family has entrusted funeral arrangements to Drum Funeral Home & Cremation Services in Conover, NC.

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Bobby Eugene Matthews

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Klaus Bendixen

February 20, 2021

I had the honor of meeting Mr. Matthews many years ago through my friendship with Thom and Beverly. I always admire him and enjoyed so much when we were watching the news or having supper and Beverly home. Also my son Klaus Alexander share a good dinner conversation with him and he always admire him when the good advise he gave him. I pray that he will be an angel to all the people that he touch with his kindness. My most sincere condolences to Thom, Beverly, Chad, Brittany, Lily, Cameron and the rest of the Matthews family. Thank you Beverly and Thom for your years of friendship since 1988. God bless you. Klaus Bendixen and the Bendixen Family.

Jolleen Christians

February 7, 2021

My sincere sympathy, love, and condolences to the Matthews family. Bobby was a true community person and his love for family was evident in so many ways. May God give you His comfort and peace in the days ahead.

KRIS KUNIK

February 6, 2021

Bob was a man of conviction. He loved his family dearly. That was so easy to see in how he kept them all around him through out his life in business and in family life. He had great love and respect for GOD along with his family. I noticed that he also loved what he did for a job (his company). Mark Twain once said "Find something you love to do and you never work a day in your life". He was so very blessed to have been able to do that very thing through his lifetime. I had the greatest respect for him in his personal drive and his ambition to do his best at all times.
He is the kind of man that our country was built on.
GOD BLESS YOU BOB.
I am sure you are working on a very large project in HEAVEN now for THE MAN ABOVE. Your accomplishments in this life were incredible.
Kris Kunik
Aspen Cabinetry
Conover NC

Michael/Geraldine Considine

February 5, 2021

Our heartfelt sympathy to all the Matthews family on dear Bobs passing may his gentle soul find rest. Bob was a true gentleman and always made us so welcome. With healing prayers comforting hugs and sharing with you in your sadness. With love Michael Geraldine

Jimmy Bowman

February 5, 2021

So many wonderful times and memories of Bob and his family. A true joy to have as a friend and business associate. Bob you will be truly missed. See you on the other side. God bless.

Jimmy Bowman

Kevin Conrad

February 4, 2021

Bobby was a great man and I’m greatful to have known him. My thoughts and prayers are with the entire Matthews family. He will be missed.

Bill Stoner

February 4, 2021

Have high regards for Bob and Matthews Const. Sorry for your loss as he was to me a special man! Thoughts and prayers at this time and always to the family.

Alice Baker

February 3, 2021

Our dear family,
Please know that our love and prayers are with each one of you at this time. May God bless you all. May you find comfort and healing in knowing that your loved one is with our dear Lord and Savior in heaven. Some day we will all be together again forever and always.
Blessings,
Jerri Alice and Grammy

Judy Harman

February 3, 2021

Prayers to your whole family and may God help you all through the loneliness of missing him. He and Fred were friends for many years and we love all of you! He loved his Father in Heaven and He will take care of him. Blessings to you all!

Paula Klim

February 3, 2021

Bob was a good friend of my parents, Paul and Hattie Smith. He built their beautiful home on 8th Avenue, NE. I have fond memories of him. His daughter, Vickie Shull, was a dear friend and colleague of mine. My love and prayers to his family.

FROM THE FAMILY