Mr. Frederick Donald “Donnie” Matthews passed peacefully from this life into the arms of his Lord and Savior on Sunday, Nov. 28, 2021, at his home in Greenbush. Born Sept. 25, 1936, Donnie was the son of the late James Vernon Matthews and the late Helen Lee Bundick Matthews.
A life defined by faith, family, and farming, Donnie remained unwavering in his love and devotion to all throughout his 85 years on this earth. As a young boy, Donnie’s father introduced him to farming and the value of a hard day’s work, which ultimately led him to successfully owning and operating F.D. Matthews Farms Inc., for several decades. In addition to agricultural products, he also constructed and maintained many chicken houses, having been the first farm on the Eastern Shore to utilize automatic water and feed beginning in 1969. His affinity for Case IH tractors wasn’t limited to the farm, as he had procured quite the impressive collection of red toy tractors over the years.
Raised in a Christian home, Donnie’s commitment to living a life in service to the Lord was evident to all who knew him. Through his generous donation of both, his land and carpentry talents, he was instrumental in the inception of the Independent Pilgrim Church and parsonage. Donnie’s dedication to his church was limitless, as he continued to take care of the grounds and volunteer wherever needed until he wasn’t able. Although running the farm and serving the Lord brought him great happiness, having his family by his side – whether it was on a big red tractor or a pew on Sunday morning – is what brought true joy and fulfillment to his life.
Along with his parents, Donnie was reunited in Heaven with his late wife, Peggy June Isdell Matthews; brothers, Norman and Edward Lee Matthews; infant sister, Barbara Susan Matthews; and granddaughter, Tracy A. Matthews. He leaves to continue his legacy and honor his life his children, Barbara L. Matthews, of Greenbush, Frederick Thomas “Freddie” Matthews and his wife, Carol Jean, of Parksley, David L. Matthews, of Parksley, and Ronnie Wayne Matthews and his wife, Barbara, of Greenbush; grandchildren, Tammy M. Selby (Bobby), Kristin M. Daniels (Billy), Katie M. Kelley (Ward), Holly L. Matthews, and Heather L. Matthews; great-grandchildren, Robert S. Fetterman IV, Bradley W. Matthews, Tracy B. Selby, Meredith K Daniels, Micah S. Daniels, Everly B. Daniels, Horace E. Kelley V, and Walker T. Kelley; and several nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be conducted from the chapel of the Williams-Parksley Funeral Home Sunday, Dec. 5, 2021, at 2 p.m., with the Rev. Wayne Asbury officiating. Interment will follow in the Liberty Cemetery. There will be a visitation at the funeral home Saturday, Dec. 4, 2021, from 6 to 8 p.m.
Flowers will be accepted, or contributions in Donnie’s memory may be made to Riverside Shore Hospice, P.O. Box 615, Onley, VA 23418, or to Independent Pilgrim Church, 19422 Greenbush Road, Greenbush, VA 23357.
Memory tributes may be shared with the family at www.williamsfuneralhomes.com
Arrangements are by the Williams-Parksley Funeral Home.
