Bennie Wilson Matthews Sr.

Bennie Wilson Matthews, Sr. , age 94 of Jackson, passed away on November 5, 2015. He was born in 1921 as the second of six children of the late Albert and Lela (Simmons) Matthews of Madison County. He grew up in the Bear Creek Community of South Madison County near Pinson. He was a lifelong resident of Madison County, living most recently at Elmcroft of Jackson until his passing.

He graduated from Pinson High School in 1941. Mr. Matthews served proudly for almost four years during World War II in England and Belgium as a member of the U.S. Army Air Corps, Eighth Air Force 361st Fighter Group. He was a Master Sergeant and was in charge of armaments for P-51 Mustangs. He later served seven years in the reserves, receiving honorable discharges from both the Army and Air Force.

After the war, he met and married Birdie Whirley Matthews in 1946. They raised three children and were together until her passing in 1991.

He was one of the first seven people hired to start the Consolidated Aluminum plant in Jackson (later known as Ormet) and worked there as a foreman for over thirty years until his retirement in 1983. He was raised in the Bear Creek United Methodist Church and later became a member of Bemis United Pentecostal Church. He was a sixty year member of St. John’s Masonic Lodge #332 in Jackson.

Mr. Matthews was a man of integrity, honor, family and faith. He was a true example of “The Greatest Generation.” He always had an interesting story about his family’s challenges during The Great Depression, his service during the war and life in an earlier time. He maintained a keen sense of humor throughout his life and would make those around him laugh with his funny quips – even until his final days. He never met a stranger. And, he cherished his family deeply.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Birdie; sisters Hazel Matthews and Joy Matthews Palmer; brother Willard Matthews; and his daughter-in-law, Melanie Matthews. He is survived by his children, Ben Matthews, Barry Matthews (Jan), and Sarah Elder along with his sister Elsie Corlew and brother Gerald Matthews. Also surviving are six grandchildren, Ryan Matthews (Jessica), Emily Matthews Wan (Gabe), Laura Matthews Adams (John), Amy Matthews Lawrence (Logan), Joshua Elder and Kristen Elder. He also has three great-grandchildren, Addison Matthews, Lia Matthews and Kylee Rogers.

Funeral services for Mr. Matthews will be held on Sunday, November 8, 2015 at 3 p.m. at George A. Smith and Sons North Chapel with Rev. Eddie Larkins officiating. Interment will follow with Masonic Rites and Military Honors at Highland Memorial Gardens. Friends may visit with the family immediately prior to the service on Sunday from 1:30 p.m. to 3 p.m. The family has requested that memorials be directed to either the American Heart Association or the Melanie Nelson Matthews Nursing Scholarship at Union University.