William Camp Matthews III

September 22, 1986 - December 26, 2024

New York, New York - William Camp Matthews III was born on September 22, 1986 in Raleigh, North Carolina and died unexpectedly in his Manhattan apartment on December 26, 2024.

Will is survived by his beloved son William Camp Matthews IV (Camp) and wife Kristen Anne Matthews; his mother Louise Norris Grabarek (Lisa); his father William Camp Matthews Jr. (Bill) and stepmother Debra Matthews; his sister Marion Norris Grabarek Miller and brother-in-law Eric Miller; and his sister Helen Camp Matthews and brother-in-law Zachary Arrington. He is also survived by Kristen's parents, Christopher and Carolyn Wicher, and by many loving in-laws, aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends.

Will was predeceased by his devoted grandparents William Camp Matthews, Edith Summers Matthews, Lil Matthews, Marion Norris Grabarek, and Robert Wensell Grabarek.

Will grew up in Raleigh, attended Pullen Memorial Baptist Church, and was a student at Ravenscroft School from kindergarten through twelfth grade. He graduated from Duke University, where he served as the president of Duke's Phi Delta Theta chapter during his senior year. Will went on to receive his MBA from Columbia Business School.

With Kristen, Will made a home in Manhattan and enjoyed the city's eclectic array of restaurants, its outdoor spaces, the theatre, and the U.S. Open. He cared deeply for their cherished pets and was passionate about animal welfare across the world. Together, they traveled extensively, from St. Lucia, to the Elephant Nature Park in Thailand, to Bora Bora, to the Lanai Cat Sanctuary in Hawaii. Will's favorite place to visit was his mother's home in Emerald Isle, North Carolina.

Will's life was fed by the pursuit of many passions. Early in high school, he took flying lessons and earned his pilot's license before he had a driver's license. Whether home or away, he rarely missed an opportunity to be among the most zealous of Duke's Cameron Crazies. Will was a fount of knowledge of all things political, and his contagious enthusiasm for even the driest of polling data could enrapture any listener.

Will had the quickest of wits and delighted in bringing laughter to a room. He loved to laugh, and did so readily and with such warmth that his eyes disappeared into his smile. He had an abiding love for his family and never held back from saying so. Will's face lit with joy whenever he saw his son, and he loved nothing more than Camp sleeping on his chest or sitting in his lap. He described the root of his unconditional love for Camp as having seen the essence of Camp's soul.

Will felt deeply. Fast to love, strangers did not remain strangers for long. His tender heart and intellectual curiosity nourished conversations and cultivated lasting friendships. He was an attentive listener, no matter the obscurity of the subject. Whatever your interest, whatever your joy, whatever your sorrow, wherever you were, Will was there with you.

Will had dreams. He dreamed of taking Camp to Duke basketball games at Cameron Indoor Stadium, piloting an airplane again, and, above all, watching his precious child grow up.

At the end of his life, Will struggled mightily with alcoholism; throughout that struggle, his devotion and love for Camp were a light in the darkness. May our memories of Will be a light for us all.

A celebration of Will's life will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, January 11, 2025 at Pullen Memorial Baptist Church in Raleigh (1801 Hillsborough Street).

To honor Will's memory, please consider donating to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (nami.org), Shatterproof (shatterproof.org), or any organizations that support those impacted by addiction and mental health issues.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The News & Observer from Jan. 1 to Jan. 9, 2025.

Memories and Condolences
for William Matthews

Sponsored by Hall-Wynne Funeral Service & Crematory - Durham.

36 Entries

Wanda Berc

Planted Trees

Barbara Cordell, ABS Advocate

Planted Trees

David Gold

January 15, 2025

Will was a mentor to me when I first started working at Global Strategy Group in 2012, and quickly became a friend.

It was a stressful time, and I often felt overwhelmed. Will's graciousness and positivity were a great comfort. He had a real knack for connecting with people, and I've never had a more patient teacher in any walk of life.

I lost touch with Will as the years passed, but I've always carried a few Will-isms with me. One time, I looked to him for reassurance that the work on my computer screen was good enough - as I often did - as we sat at our desks well past midnight. He looked briefly before reassuring me that it was "good enough o'clock." I have used the phrase countless times since.

Will was a truly good man. He helped me a lot, and he'll be missed.

Zach Drillings

Planted Trees

DJ D

January 8, 2025

On my first day at a new school in third grade, we were playing basketball at recess. I remember going for a loose ball against another kid. In my mind, it was a battle-we were struggling mightily for possession. Suddenly, I opened my eyes to see my opponent laughing hysterically (while still fighting for the ball) and just enjoying the game. I´ll never forget that first impression of Will: the first die-hard Duke fan I ever met and one of the kindest, smartest kids I grew up with.

Varun & Alexa Sarna

Planted Trees

Debevoise

Sent Flowers

Your friends at Westwood

Sent Flowers

Peter

January 7, 2025

Will was one of the first people I talked with upon starting my career at RBC.

He always genuinely cared about our journey and wanted everyone he worked with to succeed.

I accompanied him on my first ever client event, overnight business trip, and strategy meetings.

Outside of work, he was fun to talk college basketball, childhood cartoons, or even tennis with!

I still have the Splinter Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle action figure he bought me and a colleague for completing one of our first deals on my desk.

Will was great at reading a room and very sharp-witted.

He´ll be missed.

Josie Hall

January 7, 2025

Will loved to ride his bike, play in nearby creek, Xmas carol, trick or treat & pumpkin carve with my sons & all his Woodgreen neighbors in Raleigh growing up. It was evident early on how bright he was. Can´t say that I know anyone else that got his pilot´s license before his drivers license.
I am sure his sense of humor and easy going disposition served him well at Duke as the president of Phi Delts. I trust that Camp has inherited his quick wit gene passed to Will from his maternal grandfather. Will´s bright light extinguished much too soon and he will be so missed. Peace to family and friends that knew him well~

Arjun Singh

January 6, 2025

I met Will in 2015 when we both began our internship at RBC. I will always remember him as a warm, funny, and intelligent person. He never shied from helping me and others, despite the competitiveness of our environment. He will forever remain an inspiration. Condolences to his family

Jack and April Connell

January 6, 2025

We mostly knew Will as the little brother to Helen, one of our daughter's close friends in high school. Always with a smile. Condolences to the family.

Anna White

January 6, 2025

Sending all of my love to the Matthews and Wichers. You are in my thoughts and prayers.

Rebecca Hong

January 6, 2025

I had the privilege of meeting Will at business school my first year and we ended up working together after graduation and sitting next to one another. It was through our daily interactions that I witnessed Will's intelligence, warmth, and kindness. Will was such an encouraging friend throughout business school and beyond and I'm deeply saddened by the news of his passing. May his memory be a blessing to all.

Ben Naylor

January 5, 2025

I worked with Will at Global Strategy Group. The high stakes, deadline driven environment could be extremely stressful. Will was the most easygoing guy in the world and always made sure to remind us not to sweat the small stuff. While I hadn't seen him in years, seeing the unfortunate news about his death brought back a lot of memories of our time in the office and our trip to the Democratic convention in Charlotte where he educated us on the wonders of North Carolina barbeque. My thoughts are with his wife, son and family. I'm so sorry for your loss.

Jeff Plaut

January 5, 2025

Will brought so much good cheer, smarts and fun to our work at Global Strategy Group. I think he got t-shirts for his colleagues. He was a light and made me think that you can do great work and have fun/ laughs at the same time. May his memory be a blessing.

Maggie P

Planted Trees

Tyler Arehart

Planted Trees

Tyler Arehart

January 4, 2025

Will was one of my closest friends in high school. I spent a lot of time in the passenger seat of his Land Rover, he'd graciously drive me to Cookout, or Quiznos, or out to see a movie with the gang. When he got his pilot's license, he even took me flying.

We'd listen to Green Day and Counting Crows, and talk about girls and life and girls some more. He earned my complete trust as a friend and confidant--he was mature beyond his years, good-hearted and thoughtful.

He was also endlessly clever, with a playful confidence that made him unforgettable. I remember one of his great delights was dreaming up ways to perplex people. A knowing wink delivered to a complete stranger, signifying nothing. Or a slogan delivered with full commitment and sparkling eye-contact, but totally meaningless. Or Steven's expired student ID taped to the front of his car, appropos of nothing.

For everyone who knew him, he'll live on in our hearts. For a lot of strangers out there, I like to think he'll also live on in their intrusive thoughts, wondering "who was that guy from years ago and what on earth did I miss?"

You did good in this world Will, thank you, and rest in peace.

Jacob Marcus

January 4, 2025

Will, you will forever be missed. I will always remember our trip to Cuba.

Camp, your father was a great friend, who always brought a smile to my face.

Sheila Xu

January 4, 2025

I worked with Will closely at RBC, he was my associate when I first started in Banking, a great mentor to me and I´ve always looked up to him. He was my go-to person whenever I needed a reference when I recruited for a new role. I last spoke to Will in Sept 2023, and I am extremely saddened to learn about his passing merely 4 months later. Kristen, even though we´ve never met in person, I feel like I already know you because Will always told us about you at happy hours. Sending much love to you and Camp.

Andy B

January 3, 2025

Will was a proper, bouncing ball of intellect, wit, warmth and friendship. Hands down the funniest and often smartest guy in the room, Will had an uncanny knack for bridging gaps, and listening. Neither indulgent or cocky, Will was not someone you could meet and not be impacted by.

I met Will while in recovery, and I was struck by his desire to understand the disease of alcoholism. I was touched by his humanity and honesty about his own struggles and his desire to bring a wider understanding to what it means to be in recovery. Will didn´t hide from his disease and was incredibly forthright in his struggles. Will saved many men´s lives with his laughter and data driven insights about treatment.

What struck me the most about Will is how unfair this disease is. It´s not a game of will power-nor is it a moral issue of being good or bad. It´s an affliction that is insidious and highly misunderstood.

Will fought hard for himself, for his wife and for his son. Will made mistakes and Will had many, many victories.

All of the men who met him in recovery are deeply saddened by the outcome of Will´s struggle. May we all remember that sometimes the brightest lights shine through the fastest-leaving imprints on the hearts and souls across their journey.

Will -thank you for being a true friend and a savant. Your curiosity and kindness were a bold reminder of how we should treat each other.

May your life forever be a lesson in the cold realities of the cunning and baffling disease of alcoholism-and may you always be a reminder to me that goodness comes from those of us not afraid to ask the bigger questions and try the fiercest paths.

Love you brother//wishing your family rest and peace in this difficult time

Abrazos

Andy B

Global Strategy Group

Sent Flowers

AP Singh Turton

January 2, 2025

Will was always jovial, kind and ready with kind word whenever I ran into. From running into each other during recruiting at business school or more recently in the park in New York, Will made it so easy to connect and catch up with him. Saddened by this loss and sending love to his family.

Mark O'Connor

Sent Flowers

Yinong Wang

Planted Trees

Fahd Hajji

January 2, 2025

Deeply saddened about Will's passing and your loss. I vividly remember Will from our business school cluster days: Very smart, easy to connect to, great listener, joyful and a great human overall. May he rest in peace, and may his family be blessed! Warmly, Fahd

Susan Gaines

January 2, 2025

Will will always have a special place in my heart. I watched him through pre-school and through college develop into an insightful and engaging young man. His humor, wit and sense of fun are gifts that I will treasure. Will was such a good friend to my daughter thorough the years. Goodness they even went sky jumping together the day after high school graduation.
Kristin, I remember you and Will visiting us at the horse show in Tryon when you were first dating. My hope is that you can remember and treasure the good times together.
Sending my love to Kristin and Camp, Bill and Lisa and to all of those who loved Will.

Dana Wynne Lindquist

January 2, 2025

It was a privilege to know and teach Will in high school. He seemed to have found his passionate voice as early as his junior year. I remember his political passion and well formed opinions. The maturity of his writing voice astounded me; his warmth and compassion
encouraged me and positively impacted his peers. I can hear his laughter! Kristen, my heart breaks for you and Camp. I hate to learn how much Will (and by extension you) suffered at the end. Much love, Dana Lindquist

Rebecca Offensend

January 2, 2025

What an incredible person. It was a privilege to meet him, I think on the very first day of school at Columbia, and become his friend. Love to Kristen, Camp, and his whole community

Al Saibini, Nevada Alpha '76

January 2, 2025

In coelo quies est.

Lisa Falzetta

January 1, 2025

I was Will´s assistant during his years at RBC, and he was a wonderful and kind person to work with, not just for me, but for everyone else too. Much love to Kristen and Camp.