John C. MATTHEWS

NEWPORT NEWS - John Calvin Matthews, 79, passed away Monday, July 9, 2012, at Riverside Regional Medical Center in Newport News, Va.
Growing up in Sanford, N.C., he learned at an early age how to grow just about anything. For many years, he had a garden and provided friends and family with fresh vegetables every year.' Big John', as he was affectionately called by his buddies, had a real passion for fishing, he would fish in a small pond or in the deep waters of the ocean. After serving in the U.S. Army during the Korean conflict, he attended North Carolina State University where he studied agriculture. John was employed at the Newport News Shipbuilding in the RADCON department, and put on his full-time fishing hat in January, 1993, after 34 years of service.
Mr. Matthews is predeceased by his mother and father, Flossie G. and Jack R. Matthews and his brother, Max G. Matthews, all of Sanford, N.C., and a brother, Herman R. Matthews, of Newport News, Va.
John is survived by his wife of 51 years, Myrtle K. Matthews; daughter, Janice M. Rollins and husband Kevin; grandsons, Calvin S. Ganoe, James P. Martin III, (Trey), all of Newport News, Va.; a granddaughter, Ashleigh M. Matthews-Toland, of Jacksonville, N.C.; a great-grandson, Calvin S. Ganoe Jr., of James City County, Va.; his sister-in-law, Bert Matthews, of Sanford, N.C.; and a host of nieces and nephews. Also surviving is John's dog, Heidi, who will surely miss her naps on Papa's lap.
Viewing and graveside services were held at the Lemon Springs United Methodist Church in Sanford, N.C.
Arrangements were made with Rogers-Pickard funeral home in Sanford. In lieu of flowers, please make any donations to The Children's Hospital of The King's Daughters, 601 Children's Lane, Norfolk, VA 23507-1910. View and post condolences on our online guestbook at dailypress.com/guestbooks.