Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
BORN
1980
DIED
2021
FUNERAL HOME
Raymond Matthews Obituary
April 25, 1980 - November 28, 2021
"He had a heart of gold and would give his last dime to a friend in need," said Beverly Shillingburg of Virginia Transformer Corporation.
Shillingburg spoke only kind words of Raymond "RJ" John Matthews Jr., 41, who passed away at his home in Roanoke, Virginia, on Sunday, November 28, 2021.
Ray was a longtime resident of Roanoke, who led a simple life and will be remembered for his big heart and charming smile. He was born on April 25, 1980, in Smithtown, New York, son of Raymond Matthews and Judith Galvani.
Ray was a 1998 graduate of Franklin County High and worked as a welder at Virginia Transformer Corporation for the last seven years where he was the AFL-CIO union shop steward. Ray had a love for motorcycles, drones and experimenting with new technology.
He was preceded in death by his parents, and sister, Marie Arias.
Ray is survived by four sisters, Melanie Jennings (Scott), Mary Matthews, Laura Galvani (Oz), and Susanne Matthews. Also surviving are his nieces, Taylor Bailey and Amy Jennings, and nephews, Vincent and John Caiazzo, David Williams, James Shaffer, Sean McEntee, Alan Wodzenski, and Christopher Jennings.
Ray will be dearly missed by his many friends, coworkers, and family.
The family will receive friends for visitation at 1 p.m. on Saturday, December 4, 2021, at Oakey's North Chapel. The Memorial Service will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday with a reception to follow.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the American Heart Association or to the American Cancer Society. Online condolences may be expressed at www.oakeys.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Raymond Matthews
Sponsored by Oakey’s North Chapel.
1 Entry
American Heart Association
December 3, 2021
May your memories of the wonderful times you shared with your loved one comfort you and your family, today and always.
Showing 1 - 1 of 1 results
Make a Donation
in Raymond Matthews's name
Please consider a donation as requested by the family.
Memorial Events
for Raymond Matthews
How to support Raymond's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Raymond Matthews's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
