Michael Boyd Matthews

1953 - 2025

Michael Boyd Matthews

November 13, 1953 - July 19, 2025

Michael Boyd Matthews, a devoted father, brother, and pioneer in healthcare innovation, passed away peacefully on July 19, 2025, in Raleigh, North Carolina, at the age of 71.

Born November 13, 1953, in Wadesboro, North Carolina, Michael was the son of George and Louise (Rivers) Matthews. He dedicated over four decades of his life to transforming healthcare through information technology, championing interoperability and health information exchange. His visionary leadership included serving as the founding chair of The Sequoia Project, Chair of the Coordinating Committee of the National Health Information Network, and as founding CEO of both MedVirginia and ConnectVirginia. His work helped bridge critical gaps between the Department of Veterans Affairs, Department of Defense, and Social Security Administration health systems. In recognition of his impact, he was named one of the "26 Smartest People in Health IT" by Becker's Health IT and honored as Executive of the Year by the eHealth Initiative.

Michael earned both his Bachelor of Science in Mathematics and his Master of Science in Public Health from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, remaining a lifelong and passionate Tar Heels fan. He embodied the concept of service through action, actively supporting ministry organizations such as Crossover Healthcare and Unity Church on Bon Air in Richmond, Virginia, and lived life with energy and purpose. He found joy in running, playing golf - celebrating his first hole-in-one in 2021 - and spending time with his family.

He is survived by his beloved daughters, Molly Matthews-Ewald (Chris) and Aline Matthews; and his cherished granddaughter, Jocelyn Matthews-Ewald. He also leaves behind his brothers: Rick Matthews (Carolyn) of Winston-Salem, and their children Mark (Florence) and their grandchildren Eleanor and James; Kelly (Matthews) Silliman (Shawn) and their grandchildren Wyatt and McKinley; and Kip Matthews (Kimberly) of Athens, Ga., and their children Patrick and Schuyler.

Michael will be remembered for his visionary mind, generous spirit, and unwavering commitment to improving the lives of others. His legacy lives on in the countless lives he touched through both his work and his love.

There will be a celebration of life service at 2 p.m., Saturday, August 16, 2025, at Unity Church of Bon Air in Richmond, Va.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to: Unity Church of Bon Air, 923 Buford Rd., Richmond, Va. 23235, or to Mount Croghan Methodist Church, P.O. Box 26, Mount Croghan, S.C. 29727.

He has shown you, O mortal, what is good.

And what does the Lord require of you?

To act justly and to love mercy

and to walk humbly with your God.

-Micah 6:8

The arrangements are in care of Leavitt Funeral Home and online condolences may be made at www.leavittfh.com