Charles Ronald Matthews of Decatur, Alabama relocated to Heaven on Sunday, December 12, 2021. A graveside service will be held at Roselawn Cemetery in Decatur, AL on Sunday, December 19, 2021 at 2:00pm with Fred Wallace officiating.
Ronald leaves behind his wife, Betty Richards Matthews, children, Charlie Matthews (Carol Ann), Julie Echols (Tim South), David Tapscott (Laura), Amy Wallace (Fred), and Kristi Matthews Glazner; grandchildren, Jordan Matthews (Jennifer), Logan Matthews (Paula), Victoria Reeves (Andrew), Lyndsi Carroll (Jeremy), Chelsea Roark (Patrick Harvey), Joshua Echols, Shelby Roark, Grant Wallace, Reid Glazner, Annie Tapscott, Sarah Tapscott, Emma Glazner, and Owen Matthews; and four great-grandchildren, Tom Matthews, Frasier Carroll, Chandler Matthews, and Noah Matthews; and his faithful caregiver, Darlene Lamb.
He is preceded in death by his first wife, Jewell Duncan Matthews, his parents, James Raymond Matthews and Carrie Lucille Lamon Matthews, and grandson Justin Keith Echols.
Ronald was born in Austinville, Alabama and was raised on the family farm along with brothers Johnny and Bobby and two sisters, Joyce (Green) and Linda (Hagan). He graduated from Auburn University in 1961 and married his high school sweetheart, Jewell. They were married until her death on September 23, 1981. He worked for the State of Alabama for over 40 years, most of that time as Executive Director of North Central Alabama Regional Council of Government (NARCOG). He married Betty Richards Matthews on August 6, 1982.
Ronald was an active Auburn alumnus, active in the community and always participating in his church families at Grace Baptist Church, Westmeade Baptist, First Baptist Church Decatur and First United Methodist Church. He was saved in 1975 during a revival service at Grace Baptist Church with Dr. Jim Mercer officiating. He was absolutely sure of his salvation and never shy to share this with anyone.
In his later years, Ronald became a photographer and documented his travels and his family with literally tens of thousands of photographs that his family will enjoy for generations to come.
Ronald’s enduring legacy will be his patience with and love for his family and friends.
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