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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  • July 07, 2011
    Bill McRee says:
    We are so sorry to hear of Mr. Matthews' death. Our thoughts and prayers go out to you. My mother, Ara McRee, and I send all of you our deepest condolences.