He is preceded in death by his parents, John and Betty Matthews, his grandparents, Lois and Pritchard Cummings.
Survivors include son and daughter-in-law Andrew and Morgan Matthews, son, Mark Matthews, siblings Elizabeth “Betsy” Fridley and Tim Matthews, and his loving companion Wanda Marshall Pegg. grandchildren Jonathan, Haley, Andrew Matthews, Jr. and McKenzie Lopez.
Nieces Ashley Whittington and husband Aaron, Marianna Adkins, and Ray Fridley and dearly beloved cousin Janice Lee Robinson.
Jerry worked most of his life as a heavy equipment operator. He lived such a simplistic life. His loves were great but, there were few. J.J. loved the outdoors, black coffee with a hint of sugar, NFL football, MLB baseball, Longhorn Straight Dip, Pepsi Cola and anything sweet with a special hankering for Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups. He was a great grower of plants and loved gardening and called it his therapy.
We must give significant recognition to some of his fondest friends. Heidi, Stella, Roxy, Lucy, and Nipper (who supervised his shaving skills each morning perched on the toilet lid). We salute these furry friends who brought Jerry the greatest joy and happiness through their unwavering companionship and endless love.
All folks that had the privilege to know Jerry would always describe him as “quite a character” and indeed he was a treasured friend, father, brother, uncle and grandfather. He was straightforward, hard-working and possessed a short quick wit. His greatest spiritual gifts were his sense of humor and his enormous heart in that no matter how he felt he always made you feel better!
Thank you Jerry from all of us.
We will all miss you immensely but we are so happy for you to once again be able to breathe effortlessly, your heart to beat strongly, and to run through the fields of heaven with your parents, grandparents and friends that have gone before you.
Until we meet again we love you!
In lieu of flowers please donate to CARE (Chatham animal rescue education) PO Box 610, Pittsboro, NC 27312.
Online condolences may be made at www.haneslineberryfuneralhomes.com.
