Frank “Booster” Matthews, 80, of Decatur was born to the late Annie Matthews and Fate Woodruff on May 13, 1932, in Morgan County. He departed this life on April 11, 2013, at his residence.
He attended the Decatur Negro High School and retired from Monsanto after 40-plus years of service.
He confessed his love for Christ at an early age at St. James Cumberland Presbyterian Church in Decatur where he served as a faithful Deacon. He was known throughout the Cumberland Presbyterian Church as a dedicated and diligent steward. He was the Chairman of the Deacon Board, Chairman of Christian Education Counsel, Past President of Senior Choir, member of the Male Choir, President of the Tennessee Valley Presbytery Sunday School Convention, member of the Alabama Synod Executive Board, Representative from the TVP Sunday School to the National Sunday School Convention for several years.
Mr. Matthews was one of the originators of the Decatur Negro Class Reunion and he worked on the East Town Revitalization. He also played for Decatur “Nat” National Baseball team.
He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Allean Matthews; brothers, Buddy Woodruff, Charles “Abby” Matthews; grandmother, Sarah Matthews; a very special aunt, Lillie Matthews.
He leaves to cherish his memory a loving and devoted wife of 60 years, Corrine Matthews; two loving and devoted daughters, Queenanne Davis (Ricky), Alexandria, La., and Felecia Scales (Ivory), Athens; two brothers, Earl Matthews (Gladys), Decatur and John Matthews (Mary), Chattanooga, Tenn.; one sister, Delores Saxton (Clarence), Chattanooga, Tenn.; a special cousin, Dorothy Aldridge, Decatur; four grandchildren, whom he adored, Alexander Scales, Athens, Ricky Re’Chard Davis, Baton Rouge, La., Megan Davis, Alexandria, La., and Marche’ Scales, Athens; one great-grandson who was the love of his life, Noah Alexander Scales; nieces he raised, Marshallnette, Theresa, Camelia and Sonya, a host of special nieces; seven sisters-in-law; five brothers-in-law and “like a son,” Robert Caudle of Decatur.
Pallbearers will be Elders and Deacons of the church. Honorary Flower Bearers will be Mothers of the church and Active Flower Bearers will be nieces.
Family Visitation will be this evening from 5 to 6 at Reynolds Funeral Home and the Celebration of Life will be noon Thursday at St. James CP Church in America with Minister George Woodruff Jr. officiating and interment to follow in Decatur City Cemetery-Sterrs Addition. The body will lie in repose one hour prior to the funeral.
