Mr. Stuart Kenneth “Buddy” Matthews, 95, husband of the late Josephine Pate “Jo Sue” Matthews, passed away on Thursday, March 7, 2024, at Commonwealth Senior Living in Onancock.
Buddy and Jo Sue were longtime residents of Parksley, and following her death, Buddy made his home at Commonwealth (formerly The Hermitage on the Eastern Shore). He enjoyed seeing friends and his many caregivers who provided care and companionship over the last few years. On his behalf, the family would like to thank his buddy Fred, Riverside Hospice nurses Tykeshia Bibbens and Geneen Sturgis, and his many strong (and patient) nurses at Commonwealth.
Born Dec. 31, 1928, in Hopeton, he was the son of the late Tully J. and Annie L. Matthews. Buddy served his country in the U.S. Army during the Korean War, was a NASA photographer for 42 years until his retirement, was a longtime member of the Parksley Volunteer Fire Company, and was a 65-year member of Onancock Elks Lodge, B.P.O.E. No. 1766.
Those commitments shaped Buddy’s life, and he loved to tell the tales. From the bitter cold serving on “the hill” in Korea to sunny Copacabana Beach with Bob Long, he could paint a picture and get you howling — especially when he had a Henry McKenna in hand.
Bud also loved talking fire trucks (Parksley’s “Big P” and Pierce were his favorites), the Cleveland Indians, and the best “buy you one, get you one” deals at Food Lion.
And he loved to eat; from his daughter’s cooking and the “15 shrimp” at Marguerite’s, to Hershey Kisses and Breyers “extra creamy.”
You could usually find him walking in Parksley and Onley in a Members Only jacket and ballcap, with an eye to the ground. “The eye” found many a lost coin or bill over the years. His magnum opus was finding a $100 note in the Food Lion parking lot.
Above all, Buddy was loyal, brave and resilient, and you could always count on him being there for the people he cared about. He was loved dearly by his family and friends.
Buddy is survived by his daughter and son, Clara Blanche “Sister” Reese and husband Gary, of Parksley, and L. Pate Matthews and wife, De, of Hebron, Md.; two grandsons, Clay Reese, of Washington, D.C., and Brian Reese, of Norfolk; and a niece, Faye Clayton, of Virginia Beach.
In addition to his wife and parents, he was predeceased by two sisters, Wilma Clayton and Beulah Lewis, and brothers, Lawrence Matthews and Harvey Parker.
A memorial service to celebrate Buddy’s life was held at Commonwealth Senior Living in Onancock on Thursday, March 14, 2024, at 2 p.m., with Mr. George Fulk officiating. A private interment with military honors was held at the Parksley Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Parksley Volunteer Fire Company, P.O. Box 14, Parksley, VA 23421, or to Riverside Shore Hospice, P.O. Box 616, Onley, VA 23418.
Memory tributes may be shared with the family at
www.williamsfuneralhomes.com
Arrangements were by the Williams-Parksley Funeral Home.
