Mr. Arthur Martin “Art” Matthews Jr., 75, loving husband of Linda Winfield Matthews and a resident of Onancock, formerly of Virginia Beach, passed away Thursday, Jan. 17, 2019, at Riverside Shore Memorial Hospital. Born June 6, 1943, in Norfolk, Va., he was the only child of Arthur Martin Matthews Sr. and Jesse Stanford Matthews.
Following high school, Mr. Matthews enrolled at Old Dominion University, however, he became more focused on winning bridge games than his studies. He quickly learned to excel in card games would not secure his future, so he left college and enlisted in the U.S. Air Force. Mr. Matthews, who was known for accomplishing anything he set his mind to, returned to ODU after four years in the U.S. Air Force. With his sheer determination, and perhaps a little military discipline, he completed his degree. The training and expertise he gained during his time in the service allowed him to continue serving his country working as an electronic technician for the U.S. Civil Service at Norfolk Naval Air Station, retiring in 2000, after more than 37 years of dedicated service.
Raised in Catholic homes, Mr. and Mrs. Matthews’ love story began when they met while attending Mass at St. Pius X Catholic Church, in Norfolk, where they remained members until moving to the Eastern Shore of Virginia in 2001. Since moving to the Shore, they have been devoted members of Saint Peter the Apostle Catholic Church in Onley. Mr. Matthews was very passionate in his volunteer work, for his church and for his community. In addition to a lifetime of serving the Lord, he was very active in the Knights of Columbus, Habitat for Humanity, and countless organizations and community projects.
Mr. Matthews will be remembered for his welcoming smile, his quick wit and sense of humor, his unwavering compassion and commitment to help those in need, and last but not least, his unparalleled bridge skills.
In addition to his wife of nearly fifty years, he is survived by their two sons, Craig Matthews and wife, Susan, of Grifton, N.C., and Brett Matthews and wife, Heather, of Rocky Mount, Va.; grandsons, Owen, Lane, and Nate; cousins, Bill Thompson and wife, Sandy, and Elizabeth Benka and husband, Danny; and numerous nieces and nephews.
A Memorial Mass to celebrate Mr. Matthews’ life was held at St. Peter the Apostle Catholic Church, in Onley, Tuesday, Jan. 22, 2019, with the Father Michael Imperial officiating.
Memorial contributions may be made to St. Peter the Apostle Catholic Church Construction Fund, P.O. Box 860, Onley, VA 23418 or to the Knights of Columbus, c/o St. Peter’s, P.O. Box 860, Onley, VA 23418.
Memory tributes may be shared with the family at www.williamsfuneralhomes.com
Arrangements were by the Williams-Onancock Funeral Home.
