John Craig Matthews

John Craig Matthews passed away on Thursday, February 21, 2019, in the presence of his family. John is survived by sisters, Sarah Garst and Susan Dressler, his three children, John Hart Matthews, David Hunter Matthews and Lion Nelson Matthews, and by his four grandchildren, Walker Craig Matthews, Wilson Ellis Matthews, Sawyer Cole Matthews and Sequoia Rose Matthews.

John Matthews was born to Helen Ridenour Matthews and Arthur Nelson Matthews in South Bend, Indiana, but subsequently moved to and spent the majority of his childhood in Roanoke, Virginia. He earned his BA in history from the University of Virginia in 1960 and married Judith Kennedy Matthews in 1962. John went on to earn his MBA from the Darden School at UVa in 1965 and moved with Judy to Martinsville that same year.

John worked for American Furniture Company, then later Stanley Furniture, where he was Vice President of the contract division. He later struck out on his own when he launched Management Recruiters of Martinsville, a recruitment agency for executives and workers in the furniture business.

John Matthews was a man of many talents. He was known around Martinsville for his athleticism on the tennis and basketball court, his guitar playing and his moves on the dance floor. But perhaps his absence will be felt most strongly in the local art community, as John was a talented artist and painter. His many paintings decorated his home as well as the homes of friends, family, and local businesses. John was active in the local art scene. Together with Judy, he developed and curated The Gift Shop at Piedmont Arts Association, which has been instrumental in bringing the wares and talents of regional and national artists to Martinsville. In addition he served on the Piedmont Arts Board of Directors and worked for the organization in many aspects, including designing the sculpture that houses the Piedmont Arts Association sign which sits in front of the organizations exhibits in Martinsville.

John served at various times as President, Vice President, and Treasurer of the Board of Safetynet of Martinsville and Henry County, Inc., a local philanthropic group. In fact he was made an Honorary Life Board Member of the Safetynet organization for his numerous contributions.

John was a beloved husband, father, brother, philanthropist, artist and community leader, and his absence will be felt throughout the Martinsville community by all who were lucky enough to know him.

The family will receive visitors from 6-8 p.m. Friday, March 22, 2019, at Collins-McKee-Stone Funeral Home on Broad Street in Martinsville. A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, March 23, 2019, at Forest Hills Presbyterian Church, with a reception to follow.

Donations in his honor may be made to his longtime place of worship, Forest Hills Presbyterian Church.