William C. Matthew

Mr. William C. Matthew, age 72, of Gladewater, passed away on Saturday, March 30, 2019 at Christus-Good Shepherd Medical Center in Longview. Bill was born in Wichita Falls, Texas on November 21, 1946. He retired as a Sergeant First Class in the U.S. Army, after twenty years of honorable service, working as a helicopter mechanic, and serving two tours during the Vietnam War. He earned a bachelor's degree in maintenance from Central Texas College, while serving in the military, and continued his public service with the U.S. Postal Service for eighteen years. He was the treasurer and devoted member of the Gladewater Masonic Lodge #852, and a member of East Mountain Baptist Church. Bill worked very hard in support of his family, and truly enjoyed his well-deserved retirement. He loved going to ball games, especially the Union Grove Lady Lions, reading, and relaxing in front of his favorite shows on TV.

He married the former Debra Guinn on February 28, 1968 in Mineola, Texas, she preceded him in death on December 11, 2013; he is also preceded by his father, Lee Matthew; and mother, Pauline Anglin Scoggins. He is survived by his daughter, Melissa Fleming of Gladewater; son, William “Slim” Matthew and wife Stefanie of Union Grove; six grandchildren, Steven Fleming and wife Kristen, Samantha King and husband T.J., Sabrina Dickerson and husband Eric, Kane Matthew, Kadynce Matthew, Owen Kalvary Matthew; seven great-grandchildren, Landen King, A.J. King, Kolbi Alverson, Eli Fleming, Cameron Dickerson, Harleigh King, Cora Fleming; two half-brothers, and three half-sisters.

Funeral services honoring his life and service to his country, will be held at 2:00 pm, on Wednesday, April 3, 2019 at the East Mountain Baptist Church 315 E Mountain N.
Gilmer, TX 75645, with Dr. Tim Smith officiating, interment with military honors and Masonic Rites will follow at Gladewater Memorial Park. Steven Fleming, Kane Matthew, T.J. King, Eric Dickerson, Wayne Wesson, David Wesson, Brian Parsons, Jeremie Gothard will serve as pallbearers, honorary pallbearers are Owen Kalvery Matthew and Jason Moore. Visitation will be held from 6:00 to 8:00 pm at Croley Funeral Home of Gladewater, on Tuesday, April 2, 2019. Memorial donations in Bill’s memory can be made to the: Gladewater Masonic Lodge or the Wounded Warrior Project.