Frank Egan Matthews

January 10, 1933 - May 31, 2011
Frank Egan Matthews

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Frank Egan Matthews, 78, died at his home in Holden Beach, NC on May 31, 2011.

He was born January 10, 1933, in Reidsville, NC, the son of the late Frank and Claudia Matthews. He was preceded in death by his daughter, Carol Matthews Birckhead.

Surviving are his devoted wife of 56 years, Betty Cresdy Matthews; their daughter, Sharon Matthews Kishen and her husband Ron Kishen of Tampa, Fl, granddaughter Ashley Brown of Studio City, Ca, and grandson Matthew Brown of Tampa, Fl.; his son-in-law Hunter Birckhead and his wife Martha, grandson Samuel Birckhead and granddaughter Emma Birckhead of Lenior, NC.

He is also survived by his brother Cary Matthews and his wife Lucinda Matthews of Dillon, SC and his nieces, Kymeone Matthews Tyler and Kelly Matthews Helms.

Frank graduated with honors from North Carolina State University with a degree in Textile Engineering, where he was a member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon.

He was a proud veteran of the U.S. Air Force and was stationed at Ellington AFB in Houston, Tx and Harlingen AFB in Harlingen Tx where he was a Celestial Navigation Instructor. Frank also served 8 years as a navigator in the reserves stationed out of Donaldson AFB in Greenville, SC.

His career of 30 years was spent in textile management with Burlington Industries, Textiles Incorporated and Dixie Yarns, all of Gaston County, NC.

After his retirement, Frank enjoyed working as a volunteer at the Carolinas Aviation Museum, Charlotte, NC.

Frank was an active member of Myers Memorial United Methodist Church for almost 50 years where he taught Sunday school, served on various committees, was a member of the handbell choir, and Methodist men.
He also enjoyed working as a volunteer for the Gaston Humane Society where he served as president. He was very compassionate about all animals and was always bringing home a stray that needed love.

Frank was a devoted husband, loving father, wonderful grandfather (Dede), brother, friend to all animals. He will be missed.
Memorial service will be held on Saturday, June 4th, 11:00 AM at the Holden Beach Chapel, Holden Beach, NC.

Memorials can be made to Myers Memorial United Methodist Church, Gastonia, NC or Holden Beach Chapel, Holden Beach, NC.

Please share memories and condolences by clicking on the “Sign Guest Book” tab above.

Wilmington Funeral & Cremation, 1535 S. 41st Street, Wilmington,NC 28403 (910) 791.9099


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  • June 02, 2011
    Gloria Kishen says:
    It was such a blessing the day the Matthews family became a part of my family. Frank was such a gentle person with quite a good sense of humor. My visit to Holden Beach with the family and my Christmas with them in Tampa are memories I will cherish forever.

  • June 02, 2011
    Diane & Jeremy Zung says:
    Sharon & Ron, Mrs. Matthews and Family - we are so sorry for your loss. You'll be in our thoughts during this difficult time.

  • June 03, 2011
    Max and Nancy Huntley says:
    Betty and family: We were so sorry to hear of Frank's passing. You most certainly have our deepest sympathy. Frank and I were together for many years at Burlington and of course later at Myers. May you find comfort in your fondest memories. Max and Nancy.

  • June 03, 2011
    Randi Friday Bratyanski says:
    Mrs. Matthews and Sharon, I am so sorry to hear about Mr. Matthews. I cherish my great memories of growing up at your home. I pray for strength and guidance for you in the coming days. Love Always, Randi

  • June 03, 2011
    Kevin Brown says:
    Frank always showed me the utmost respect and was a pleasure to have known him and be a part of his life. Bet and family so sorry for the lost, please know that you guys are in my prayers. May God bless you all!