Matt Lee Elmore

Matt L. Elmore of Clayton, NC passed away on January 14th, 2023. Always known for his nurturing spirit, devotion and love of family and friends, Matt remained faithful to his convictions and living life on his terms until he took his last breath. All that knew Matt recognized his generous spirit and unwavering care for others. Matt was driven by and found tremendous joy and satisfaction in helping those around him. He made the time to show up for everyone, providing trustworthy and sound care, nurturing and support. He simply wanted to brighten lives and that he surely did. This was never clearer than through his weekly trips to visit his mother where they spent time doing a variety of activities including shopping and cooking to “solving the world’s problems.” Married to Jo Perkins for 27 years, Jo was his steadfast partner, companion who shared that strong commitment to family and friends.

Matt’s kindness and devotion was also vividly portrayed in his love and care of his wife Jo’s parents, Kimrey and Flora Perkins. He gave them the precious gift of time in their later years; and always pleased them with his delicious cooking and baking as he did with so many of his friends and family.

Matt had a full spectrum of interests. He loved to dance, and his friend and colleagues from the North Carolina Rehabilitation Association conferences fondly remember his prowess on the dance floor. Matt was an avid music lover from the Eagles to Queen; and enjoyed going to concerts as often as possible. A natural organizer, Matt took pleasure in creating opportunities and organized events encompassing the gamut from establishing the NC Bourbon Sippin' Society to formal political events that many friends joined and enjoyed. He loved most sports and took full advantage of living in a “sports hub” attending many women and men’s basketball and of course professional hockey games. His favorite pastime was playing golf with his best friends Garrett and Tim – even in below freezing weather. Garrett laughed about not having to worry about water hazards.

An enthusiastic traveler, Williamsburg and The Homestead held a special place in his heart as he maintained his membership in the House of Burgesses and always enjoyed returning to the place of his wedding, The Homestead. Trips to St. Martin and Bermuda were extra special as they provided the ultimate downtime experience for Matt and Jo to focus time just on each other.

Matt was born in Dover, NC on August 3, 1939, to the late Sallie W. Elmore and Matt A. Elmore. He was brother to Neal Elmore and Myrtle Morris (deceased). Matt would laugh that he had salt water in his veins having spent so much of his boyhood days on the White Oak river; and was able to maintain that “coastal connection” throughout his life with regular visits to his beach home which served as a great gathering spot for family and friends.

Matt graduated with a BS degree in History/Education from East Carolina University. Devoted to service, he had a long and outstanding career of over 30 years with the State of North Carolina as an educator and in various leadership roles with the NC Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Services and the NC Rehabilitation Association. Matt’s substantial leadership skills were fully utilized when serving as President of the NC State Employees Association and in other capacities within the Association. His focus on service, engagement and impacting others infused and sustained his strong and active interest in politics as well. Matt invested these talents and commitment to make things better through his involvement in directive roles in various local, state and national political campaigns.

Never one to be inactive or shy away from new adventures, Matt continued to work after retirement with Universal Meeting Management on the travel team. Matt was able to utilize his strong planning and coordination skills while still looking out for those around him which made this experience very successful for all. He was also able to combine his knowledge of the culinary arts and entertaining with his management and leadership skills accomplishing the job and all assignments superbly.

Throughout his life, Matt was referred to in many ways. He was a son and a brother. He would go on to become a manager and leader. He would become a husband, a father, and a grandfather---all of which brought him great joy and satisfaction. Matt was blessed with two sons Mike Elmore and Chris Elmore (Kimberly), and a daughter, Allyson Elmore. He was proud of his beloved grandchildren Addison, Wiley, and Greyson Elmore. Matt loved spending time with friends and family. He particularly enjoyed treasured moments with his adult children, in laws and of course, his precious grandchildren. As mentioned, the beach home was a strong hold for gathering and was always full of lively conversations with good friends and family. They, along with his cherished wife, Jo and a host of dear friends remain present to honor his memory.

Matt is at peace now and the family is forever grateful for all the invaluable love and support surrounding Matt in his last months.

A celebration of Matt’s life will be held at a date to be announced later. In his memory, donations can be made to:

Johnston Community College Foundation

P.O. Box 2350 Smithfield, NC 27577

Memo: Matt Elmore Scholarship Endowment

Or

Dover Methodist Church

PO Box 188

Dover, NC 28526.

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