Millard Fillmore Matthews Jr's Obituary
Millard F. “Matt” Matthews, Jr. (Capt. USMC, Ret.) was called home by his Heavenly Father on May 4, 2023 after a brief illness.
Matt was born to Millard F. Matthews, Sr. and Annie Pearl Matthews on September 7, 1936 at Fort Benning, Georgia. He was born the fourth of eight children.
Graduating in 1955 from Stevenson High School, Matt was the quarterback of the 1955 undefeated football team. Upon graduation, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. He proudly served his country for twenty years.
After retiring from USMC, the family moved to Scottsboro, Alabama. While living in Scottsboro, Matt became a partner in the franchise of Captain D’s restaurants with stores in Scottsboro and Fort Payne, AL. This partnership brought him to Shreveport, Louisiana where he retired “again” in 1989. Deciding he just was not quite ready for retired life, Matt went to work with the Louisiana Department of Transportation in the Weights and Standards Division. In 2000, Matt was ready to enjoy the life of a retired man.
Being retired allowed Matt to spend time golfing, bowling and gardening. Many memories were created with the “BMW’s” traveling and cruising. One special love was the Honduran mission trips taken with his wife, Jenifer and their church family.
Known for his quick wit, you never knew what would come out of his mouth or where he may be hiding to jump out and scare you. To say he had a sense of humor, would be an understatement. You were sure to laugh till you cried when with Matt. However, most people will tell you that Matt was best known for his remarkable words of wisdom, loving guidance and willingness to help in any time of need.
Matt was preceded in death by his parents, his sisters, Barbara Ann Payne and Glenda Sanders, and brothers Phillip James Matthews and Charles Alvin Matthews.
Left to cherish his memory are his wife, Jenifer Lohmann Matthews, daughters Julie Matthews, Glenda Matthews Wilder and husband Robert, son, Douglas Randall “Randy” Matthews, bonus children Richard Walford and wife Shannon and Angela Farmer and husband Stephen, sisters, Betty Cloud, Lavonne Haven, and brother, Richard Matthews.
Matt’s grandchildren were the light of his life and will forever cherish their priceless memories of their Papa. Grandchildren include Rhett Powell, Kari Wilder Hughey (Brock), Haley Wilder Wood (Adam), Douglas Randall Matthews, II (Jamie), Hailey Walford, Brandon Walford, Janna Landaiche, Chloe “Red” Farmer and Harley Farmer.
Matt was overjoyed to become G-Papa to his 8 great-grandchildren, Logan and Luke Hughey, Lyla and Layten Wood, Douglas Randall III “Trip”, Elizabeth, Kennedy and Josie Matthews.
Matt leaves a legacy of loving God, his wife, his family and his country that will live through the lives of all who loved him.
Semper Fidelis
Services for Matt will be at Rudder Funeral Home in Stevenson, Alabama, officiated by Charles Grider and Barry Grider. The family will receive visitors from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm on Wednesday, May 10, 2023, the funeral will be held on Thursday at 1:00 pm. Interment will follow at Stevenson Cemetery.
In Lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Tunnel to Towers at www.t2t.org or the Wounded Warrior Project at www.supportwoundedwarriorproject.org
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