Bishop Thomas Dewey Matthews

Bishop Thomas Dewey Matthews, age 79 of Sanford, NC peacefully answered the Master’s call from labor to reward on Saturday, May 4, 2024, at First Health Moore Regional Hospital in Pinehurst, NC. He was born on December 23, 1944, in Goldston, N.C to the late William and Laura Matthews.

Bishop Matthews graduated from J.S. Waters School in Goldston, N.C.in 1963. From 1970-1972, Bishop Matthews served in the United States Army during the Vietnam War. He made a personal commitment to the Lord during his years in Vietnam and he kept that commitment front and center for the entirety of his life.

After his time in Vietnam, he was stationed in Annison, Alabama where he met and fell in love with the woman that was destined to be his forever mate, Willie Whatley. They were united in Holy matrimony on June 28, 1972. They made Sanford, N.C. their home. They had one son, Sean Matthews, Sr.

Bishop Matthews attended Central Carolina Technical Institute where he studied Automotive Repairs. He loved working to restore cars, paint, fenders, and body work. He also attended Bethel Bible College where he studied Theology. He worked at Carnes Company GKN before becoming a full time Pastor at the House of Refuge in Sanford, N.C. He passionately pastored House of Refuge for 43 years. Bishop Matthews loved to read his bible and was adamant about studying the word of God.

Bishop Matthews loved to spend time with his family, loved his congregation, and he loved ribs and Bojangles Chicken. He was serious but had an easily relatable and humorous side also.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Willie Whatley Matthews; granddaughter, Aliyah Matthews; siblings, Dora Lee, Elnora, Frances, Nancy, Robert, James, Ray, Derry, and William Jr.

Bishop Matthews leaves to cherish his memories his son, Sean Matthews, Sr, of Sanford, NC; grandsons, Sean Matthews, Jr. and Christian Matthews, both of Sanford, NC; a great grandson, Jarion Jackson of Sanford, NC; brothers, Frank Matthews (Alice) of Sanford, NC, Hubert Matthews (Joann) of Moncure, NC, and Wendell Matthews (Joyce) of Goldston, NC; sisters-in-law, Lerlean Matthews of Winter Haven, Florida and Buelah Matthews of New York; two brothers-in-law, Samuel Whatley of Anniston, Alabama and Alvin Whatley of Saks, Alabama; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

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Professional services entrusted to Knotts Funeral Home-Sanford, NC