Memorial Gifts & Donations
On January 31, 2022, Captain Matthew Ryan Register, age 46, was taken home to be with his Heavenly Father, with his loving wife and siblings by his side while at Lower Cape Fear Lifecare. He had a courageous 6 year battle with brain cancer. He fought hard until the end.
Born on February 27, 1975, in Wilmington, North Carolina, Matt followed in his father’s footsteps as a tugboat Captain working for McAllister Towing. He had a tremendous heart that he always followed in everything he did, be it joking around, loving his wife, Stephanie, or being a father to his three children, whom he adored. His life was forever changed when he met Stephanie. She saved his life and filled his heart with happiness. Matt was devoted to his family and his faith and never compromised his principles with either. Anyone who met him always knew exactly where he stood. His strength, humor, and sharp wit will be sorely missed by all who knew him.
Matt was preceded in death by his parents, James Ronald Register and Linda Annette Evans Register and his Father-in-law Tex Lancaster all of Wilmington.
He is survived by his wife, Stephanie Lancaster Register, daughters Madison Evans Register and Lillian Elizabeth Register and son Dylan Ryan Register, all of the home. He is also survived by his siblings, Christopher Scott Register and wife Martha, Kimberly Dawn Register, and Leigh Annette Register Nunnery and husband Bobby. Matt was an Uncle to: Candice Jones, Ben Lancaster (Felicia), Catherine Lancaster, Patrick Nunnery, Frances Register, Holden Carlson, Nathan Register, Walker Carlson and Isaac Register. He also left behind his sidekick Jennifer Guy.
Matt is also survived by his Mother-in-law Gloria Lancaster, Brother-in Law Richard Lancaster and wife Sarah and Sister-in laws Anita Carlson and husband Stephen and Julie Foard and husband Grady. He also leaves behind Joyce Collins and Buddy Martin who he loved dearly. Also surviving is his step mother Linda Register.
We would like to acknowledge the important role Matt’s tugboat family had in his life. Not only did they work together, they formed a special bond. We would like to thank these men and women for impacting Matt’s life the way they have. Captain Chet Gibbons, Captain Doug McDonald, Steve Southerland, Warren Eaton, Murphy Williams, Larry George, Chase Kelly, Captain Alan Rusher, Captain Cliff Nelson, Captain Tommy Brendle, Captain Garrett Thayer, Captain Larry Sullivan, Greg Cosaletto, Captain Eddie Green and his “Tug Mama” Barbara Eason.
Matt had many, many friends that have impacted his life. He never met a stranger. But I have to mention Captain Robert “Stick” Register. If you knew Matt, you had most likely met Stick. They were inseparable. They were brothers at heart.
The family would also like to thank Dr. Margaret Olga Johnson, Elizabeth Evans, PA, Nurse Daniel and Cindy of Duke Brain Tumor Center for their excellent care and friendship. Dr. Dean Karras and Dr. Swaleh Bahamadi in Wilmington and Teresa Hicks for the loving care she showed to “her buddy” during this time.
Matt has left a hole in everyone’s heart. We will love and miss him forever!
A visitation will be held from 11-12pm Saturday, February 5, 2022 at Winter Park Baptist Church, 4700 Wrightsville Avenue, Wilmington, NC 28403 with a memorial service to follow at 12pm.
In lieu of flowers please consider a memorial donation to his children viahttps://www.tmcfunding.com/funds/register-fund-raiser/6432/
Please share memories and condolences with the family by clicking on the “Post a Condolence” tab below.
Wilmington Funeral & Cremation 1535 S. 41st Street, Wilmington NC 28403
910.791.9099
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