Ralph Lee Matthews

Ralph Lee Matthews, age 87, went home to be with his Lord and Savior on Wednesday, July 5, 2023. He was born to the late William Washington and Vergie Mae Matthews on May 3, 1936 in Bristol, Florida. He graduated from Liberty County High School located in the Panhandle of Florida and moved to Jacksonville, Florida in 1954 to pursue his lifelong career in Accounting and Bookkeeping. That is where he would meet and marry his one true love, Ollie, and they would raise their two children together. Ralph worked for different companies as their Controller. He enjoyed his work and maintained employment until the age of 77 in 2013. For many years Ralph served as a Deacon at Main Street Baptist Church where he was able to share his love for Christ with others. In his later years, he moved his membership to Lake Asbury Baptist Church and was a member there until his health prevented him from attending services; however he still watched the services from home every Sunday. Ralph enjoyed working in front of his computer and keeping up with world news. He loved being with his family and was always excited to attend any event they invited him to. He valued time with his grandchildren and could often be found chauffeuring them to various appointments or just hanging out and watching TV with them. He prioritized keeping in touch with his friends and would talk to them on the phone for hours. Ralph had an optimistic outlook on life and offered words of encouragement to anyone that needed it. He also had a spectacular sense of humor and was always willing to laugh at himself. His warm and humble nature had a substantial impact that the people in his life will carry with them forever. Ralph is preceded in death by his Mom, Dad, two brothers (Richard Alvin and William) and daughter-in-law (Sandy). Family was the most important thing in his life. 

Ralph is survived by his brother, Felton (Nitza) Matthews; best friend, Ollie Sullivan; children, Timothy Lee Matthews and Lisa Anne (Kenny) Sweat; three granddaughters, Madison, Savannah, and Mallory; several nieces, nephews and friends. 

The family will receive friends from 10:00am to 11:00am on Thursday, July 13, 2023 at Lake Asbury Baptist Church and funeral services will begin at 11:00am with Minister Tim Downing and Reverend John Dorsey officiating. Burial will follow at Holly Hill Memorial Park.