Kenneth Ray Matthews

1951 - 2023

Kenneth Ray Matthews Sr. was born June 16, 1951, in San Diego, California, to Toney Lee Matthews Sr. and Jessye Lee Marie Matthews. Kenneth, better known as "The Godfather," spent his childhood, teenage years and some of his adult life in San Diego, California, where he attended Valencia Park Elementary, O'Farrell Charter Schools and Lincoln High School. Kenneth was the third child out of eight. There were four boys and four girls.

Kenneth grew up on Dream Street in San Diego, California, with his siblings and best friend Travis Tinsley who lived on Churchward Street. Kenneth was a phenomenal athlete. He started track and field at O'Farrell and continued at Lincoln. He lettered in baseball, basketball and football at Lincoln High School were he was nicknamed "Sideline Matthews" because he was more slippery than a wet hog.

He worked for Safeway while in San Diego, California. Kenneth left California and moved to Fairbanks, Alaska, in 1977. He took on a jobs in construction, as a North Slope Borough city bus driver, and with the United States Postal Service. He then retired and took residency in Fairbanks, Alaska.

The Godfather would travel from Anchorage, Alaska, and visit his roots in San Diego yearly.

The Godfather had a heart of gold and devoted his love and time to family. Kenneth Ray Matthews Sr. had the gift of gab; he was a real ladies man. His favorite line was, "If you need it I got it, if i don't got it, I'm gone get it." When he knew his daughters or granddaughters were upset, he would always blow them kisses as a distraction to keep them calm.

Kenneth Ray Matthews Sr. entered eternal rest on Jan. 3, 2023. He was preceded in death by his parents, Toney Lee Matthews Sr. and Jessye Lee Marie Matthews; brothers, Reginald Dwight Matthews and Eulis Wright; sister, Barabra Elane Matthews; and grandchild, Damarious Kavell Walker. Kenneth leaves to mourn, his brothers, Toney Matthews Jr. and Alphonso Matthews Sr. (Zakia), and sisters, Vicki Burkes (Stephen), Monica Gray and Stephanie Smith (Ocie). He is survived by his devoted children, Cherrisse Michelle Bellinger (son, Michael Brady), Monique Rochelle Matthews-Bradley (Donald, children Jo'Nique [Willie] and Jay'Quan Dugins, Carson Cooper, Demi and Deonni Bradley), Kenneth Ray Matthews Jr. (Trevon Matthews, Kiara "Kiki" Matthews), Tia-Tameka Kianna Matthews (Allane Davis), LaToya Lynn Matthews (Latrell Greer) and Anthony Matthews; Barbara Sue Cofey and Deborah Ann Wallace; and an abundance of cousins, nieces, nephews and friends.

A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 9, 2023, at Legacy Funeral Homes, Wasilla Heritage Chapel, 1015 S. Check Street.