Coy Rudolph Matthews

Coy Rudolph Matthews
Mr. Matthews of Charlotte passed away on January 1, 2009, from sudden cardiac arrest.
He was born in Dunn, NC, on July 24, 1932. He grew up in Erwin, close to his parents and late brother, Elwood. He proudly served with his brother in the U.S. Navy during the Korean conflict on the destroyer USS Porterfield, and two sons followed him into the navy, becoming officers. He was married for 49 years until his beloved wife Marie's passing in 2003, and together they had four children, whom they raised with love.
He followed his military service with a long career in the US Postal Service, becoming a noted figure at the former Plaza Station. In recent years during his retirement, he found ways to serve his community and country in the American Legion, the Singing Men of America, and by continuing his lifelong blood donations to the Red Cross, giving over 55 gallons.
Coy, though a hard worker all his life, had a poet's soul, able to enjoy the simplest things, from a vegetable garden to a fine spring day. He was kind and friendly to everyone, and never knew a stranger. He visited all 50 states and 13 countries. He had a lifelong love of the sea and ships, and went on many cruises. He had friends everywhere. He had a very full life, was well loved, and will be greatly missed.
Surviving are his sons, Michael, Randy and James Matthews, and his daughter Cristal Matthews Donnelly, and a goddaughter, Yuko Nakagawa of Japan. He leaves a heritage of eight grandchildren, Ryan, Erin, Spencer, Minoru, Sara, Emma, Masaki, and Maggie; and two step grandchildren, Brad and Ashley.
The family will receive friends at First Christian Church, 1200 East Boulevard, Charlotte, NC, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, January 3. The funeral will follow at 1 p.m. Officiating will be Rev. Jolin Wilks McElroy.
Memorials may be sent to the First Christian church building fund or to the American Red Cross.
Woodlawn Funeral Home of Mt Holly is in charge of arrangements.