David Earl Matthews Sr., age 88, passed away on Tuesday, May 22, 2012. Born in Nash County on October 02, 1923, he was the son of the late William Ed Matthews and Miley Bass Matthews.

He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Agnes Pearce Matthews; children, David Earl Matthews Jr. and wife Lynn of Raleigh, William F. Matthews and wife Melinda of Rocky Mount and John T. Matthews and wife Diane of Battleboro; five grandchildren;  two great-granddaughters;  two brothers, James William Matthews and Jack Matthews; and two sisters, Stella Staley and Jane Bass.

A memorial service to remember David Earl was held Friday afternoon in the funeral home chapel of Wheeler and Woodlief Funeral Home with Rev. Larry Curtis officiating.

Flowers will be accepted or memorials may be made to Nash Community College Foundation, Inc., P.O. Box 7488, Rocky Mount NC 27804 or American Cancer Society, 930-B Wellness Drive, Greenville NC 27834.

Arrangements entrusted to Wheeler and Woodlief Funeral Home, 1130 N. Winstead Avenue, Rocky Mount.