Townville, SC - Joel Earle Matthews, 86, of Townville, formerly of Greenville, son of the late Joel Simpson Matthews and Frances Henry Matthews, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loving family at the Rainey Hospice House on Tuesday, February 4, 2014.
Joel was a veteran of World War II, proudly serving in the Marine Corp. He enjoyed being a member of W.M. Judson Masonic Lodge #319 in Greenville, and was active with the Shriners. He owned Joel Matthews Concrete Service until his retirement. He enjoyed being outdoors and was an avid fisherman. He belonged to the Pro Bass Club of South Carolina and won the Bassmaster Classic Competition two consecutive years in the 1980s. He was of the Baptist faith.
Joel is survived by sons, Robert Matthews (Linda) of Greenwood and Robin Matthews (Denise) of Lyman; daughters, Virginia Matthews (Dewey Barefield) of Sunset, Pattie Meades (Jamie) of Sarasota, FL and Karen Oberne (Rob) of Tampa, FL; a sister, “Mickey” Moon (Lee) of Anderson; 10 grandchildren; 11 great grandchildren; two step great grandchildren and a step great-great grandchild. Having a lifelong love of animals, Joel is survived by his dog, Luck, and two cats, Katie-Alice and Thomas.
A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, February 8, 2014 at Sullivan-King Mortuary Chapel conducted by Rev. Ray Martin. The family will receive friends from 1 until 2 p.m. Saturday at the mortuary, 3205 North Highway 81, Anderson. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Hospice of the Upstate, 1835 Rogers Road, Anderson, SC 29621.