William E Matthews

Obituary For William E Matthews

William Matthews, 76, entered into eternal rest on Monday, September 21, 2026, in Hermitage, TN.

William Edward Matthews was born on May 5, 1950, to James William Edward Matthews and Lucille Elizabeth Parker Matthews. He accepted Christ at a very young age and started his Christian walk by joining Risen Zion Baptist Church in Cumberland, Virginia. William made Mt. Juliet, TN his home, where he joined Faith is the Victory Word Church.

He leaves to cherish his memory his wife of 36 years, Faye Word Matthews; his son, Lomonzo JaRaye Matthews (Janery) and precious grandson, Moses Matthews, of Mt. Juliet, TN; his daughters, Latrice Robertson Perry (Tommy) of Chesterfield, V and Christina M. Owen of Chesterfield, VA; sisters, Florine Janet Doughty, Robin Antionette Stocks (Vernon), Diane Patricia Watson, and Cheryl Paulette Scott (Greg); brother, Archer Conrad Matthews; and sisters-in-law Kaye Kidd (Tony), Gladys McGhee, Louise Reese, and Lorraine Reedy (Charles), all of Detroit, MI., and Austin Hardison of Central City, KY; brother-in-law, Danny Morton; and a host of nieces, nephews and cousins.

William is preceded in death by his parents, James and Lucille Matthews, brothers Charlie S. Parker, Jerome Matthews, and Calvin B. Matthews, and sister, Mary Victoria Morton, and by his son, Lorenzo DaRay Matthews.

As an older sibling, William was responsible for caring for his younger brothers and sisters. He grew up on a farm in Cumberland, VA, where he learned to raise tobacco as well as help his parents raise an extensive garden and tend to various animals. At age sixteen, William ventured to Richmond, VA, hoping for a better life.

William was employed at Bethlehem Steel for a short period of time. He wanted something a little different for a job. He became interested in truck driving after a short time in the Job Corp. He was a loner and seemed to like the idea of the open roads, driving solo. During his early years, he enjoyed the CB radio where he built relationships with other drivers, while never meeting a stranger. His professional career as a truck driver/owner operator lasted for more than 40 years. Therefore, he spent many years driving across the United States. He would visit his sisters and brothers in places like California, Oklahoma, Maryland, Florida, and Virginia.

Until the end of his life, William would say to his family, “I need to get out here and make some money”, wanting to get back on the road. As we close this chapter of the life of William Edward Matthews, we say, “Thank you dad, brother, grandpa, uncle, and friend, for being a part of our lives. May you rest in peace until we meet again.”

There are no services scheduled at this time.

Please keep the Matthews family in your thoughts and prayers.

Arrangements entrusted to J C Hellum Funeral Home, 107 Stokes St, Lebanon, TN 37087. 615-444-4558

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