Walter Matthews

Chief Warrant Officer Walter Ira Matthews, Jr., United States Navy (Ret.), affectionately and lovingly known to all as Butch, age 47, of 744 Oakman Branch Road, Walterboro, died Saturday morning, May 3, 2008, at his residence under the care of Hospice Care of South Carolina.



Funeral services will be conducted 3 oclock Wednesday afternoon, May 7, 2008, at Canaan Baptist Church, 12760 Augusta Highway, Walterboro with Pastor David Blankenship officiating. Chief Warrant Officer Matthews casket will buried at sea by the United States Navy.



Chief Warrant Office Matthews was born April 5, 1961, in Easton, Maryland, and was a son of Walter Ira Bergie Matthews, Sr., and Erma Bright Matthews. He served his country faithfully in the United States Navy for twenty-three years having achieved the rank of CWO3, Chief Warrant Officer at his retirement. His career in the Navy afforded him many opportunities, and he saw action in the Persian Gulf. He was stationed aboard such vessels as the USS Flatley, the USS Klakring, and the USS Supply, and retired from the Brig at the Charleston Naval Weapons Station.



He and his wife made Colleton County their home. He was a faithful member of Canaan Baptist Church, where he was active in all aspects of the church, currently serving on the Deacon Board, a member of the Mens Ministry, Brotherhood Group, Usher Board and Adult Choir. Butch possessed a great love for the Lord, and he and Renee became an adopted member of so many families in Canaan Church. He will be remembered for doing all he could for those around him. He was a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars in Ladson and Disabled American Veterans.



Surviving in addition to his parents of Lake Placid, Florida; are his wife of twenty-five years, Mrs. Debra Renee Matthews; a brother, Eddie Matthews of Trappe, Maryland; a sister, Ann Simpers of Denton, Maryland; his mother-in-law, Mrs. Myrtice M. Martel of OBrien, Florida; and two sisters-in-law, Rhonda Baker of Tarpon Springs, Florida and Robin Harris of OBrien, Florida. There are four nephews, Jordan and Jamie Simpers, Chad Collier and Matthew Tidwell; and two nieces, Isabelle Matthews and Samantha Harris.



In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that memorials be directed in his memory to the following: Canaan Baptist Church, 12760 Augusta Highway, Walterboro, SC 29488; or to, Hospice Care of South Carolina, 134 Bells Highway, Walterboro, SC 29488; or to, Summerville Relay for Life, 5900 Core Road, Suite 504, North Charleston, SC 29406; or to, Fisher House Foundation, 1401 Rockville Pike, Suite 600, Rockville, MD 20852 "or at, www.fisherhouse.org.



Family and friends are invited to call from 6:00 until 8:00 this Tuesday evening at THE BRICE W. HERNDON AND SONS FUNERAL HOMES, WALTERBORO CHAPEL, 1193 Bells Highway, Walterboro, 843.538.5408.

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