George Matthews

George Arthur Matthews Jr., beloved husband, devoted father, cherished brother, and loving grandfather, passed away on March 23, 2026. He died peacefully after his heart failed while preparing for surgery to repair a broken femur. He was 91 years old. His passing leaves a deep void in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.

He was born October 18th, 1934 in Hempstead, New York to George A. Matthews and Dorothea Hoffman. He married Joan Clara Wagner on October 5, 1957. They were married 65 wonderful years.

George graduated proudly from Hofstra University with a degree in Business. After completing his studies, he worked in New York City while attending night classes at New York University, where he earned his MBA. In 1969, he moved his family to California for a brief time before settling in Murray, Utah in 1970, where he lived for most of the rest of his life. His professional career included working as a broker with investment securities and financial officer in the mining industry. He founded Custom Equipment Corporation, which later became CEC Industries (CECN).

He enjoyed golfing, camping, playing tennis and watching sports, especially his beloved Brooklyn Dodgers. Most of all, he loved to spend time with his family. He was the happiest when with Joan and when his family was together. He was a deeply caring man who loved fiercely and showed up for the people who mattered most to him. He was a devoted husband who unconditionally cared for his wife during the number of years she suffered with dementia.

George was survived by his four children, Richard (Jackie), Linda Gillespie (Bill), Jeffrey (Tammy) and Steve (Missy). Preceded in death by his wife, Joan, and 2 young daughters, Lori and Susan Lyn, his four sisters, Joan Wright (Jim), Lois Homis (Bill), Marion Olsen (Olie) and Carol Bigwood (Bob). He has 12 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, April 1, 2026 at the Cottonwood Presbyterian Church, 1580 Vine Street, Murray, UT. A light lunch will follow. Online condolences may be shared at www.jenkins-soffe.com.