Willie Ray Matthews age 65, passed away at his residence in Rock Island, Thursday October 17, 2019. He was born December 22, 1953 to his parents the late Willian Junior and Betty Davis Matthews. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by 5 sisters, Martha Matthews, Patricia Shoemake, Jena Hesson, Helen Ervin, and Brenda Taylor and 2 brothers, Terry Murphy and William Matthews. He worked as a nurseryman. He is survived by his son, Brent (Rhonda) Matthews of Woodbury; 2 grandchildren, Madison and Hunter Matthews; 2 sisters, Pamela Cain, and Kathy Murphy; 4 brothers, Randall Neal, Roy Matthews, James Matthews, and Doug Murphy; several Aunts, Uncles, and cousins also survive; caregivers, Steve Quick, Henry “Bubby” Ratleph, Teresa Parker, and Rick Sweeny. Funeral services will be 1:PM Monday, October 21, 2019 at DeKalb Funeral Chapel with Bro. Bobby Thomason officiating with burial to follow in DeKalb Cemetery. Visitation will be Sunday 1:PM until 8:PM and Monday 10:AM until the time of the service at 1:PM. In lieu of flowers the family ask donations be made to DeKalb Funeral Chapel to help with funeral expenses. DeKalb Funeral Chapel is in charge of the arrangements.
