Ronald Jack Matthews

1946 - 2021

Ronald Jack

Matthews

Ronald Jack Matthews, 74 years of age, passed away peacefully on May 19, 2021 at McLeod Hospice House in Florence, South Carolina.

He was born November 5, 1946 in Charleston, SC to the late J.C. and Mary Jane Anderson Matthews. He was a 1966 graduate of J.C. Lynch High School in Coward, SC, and proudly served in the U.S. Army in Vietnam.

Ronald married his high school sweetheart, Linda Lee of Coward, SC in 1970, and two children, Roxanne and Chad, were born from this union.

He retired from the salvage yard business, in which he worked for his beloved father in law, the late Wilbur James (W.J.) Lee of Coward, SC, who was like a father to him.

Ronald was a loving husband, father and friend to all. Ronald was known for his patience and generosity. He cared and provided for his family and friends beyond measure; no one ever wanted for anything.

Ronald wholeheartedly loved his wife, whom he lovingly referred to as "Luce" (for Linda Lucy), and adored her cheeseburgers, cakes and country cooking. He appreciated her outgoing personality (there was enough in her for the both of them), as he was a man of few words. He was proud of Roxanne's success in her career, marriage and motherhood, and lovingly referred to her as his "little girl," even after she turned 40. Ronald and Chad enjoyed hours of heart-to-heart conversations. Chad was more than just a son; he was his best buddy. Ronald loved his son-in-law, David, and was more than happy to give him Roxanne's hand in marriage, with a hearty thank you for getting her off his payroll. His only grandchild, Conner Jack, brought him many smiles, especially on their fishing excursions, where Conner appeared to enjoy playing with the night crawlers more than actual fishing. He also enjoyed pulling Conner in a Radio Flyer wagon behind his John Deere lawnmower. Ronald enjoyed fishing trips with his siblings Glenn, Barbara and Rose, from which legendary fishing tales abound. He also adored his faithful companion, a miniature dachshund, Mr. Bojangles, who was constantly by his side and helped him recover from many health issues.

Ronald loved to fish, and won multiple Bass Masters tournaments. He also loved to golf, and enjoyed many rounds with Chad. Ronald remained competitive to the end, even recently calling a round of golf short to go home to "rest," although we have a sneaking suspicion it was because Chad was playing so well.

His family has wonderful memories of many summers spent at Santee, where he taught everyone to swim and ski. He was happiest on the water in his boat.

In his later years, he developed a love for birds, especially hummingbirds. He would spend hours in the sunroom watching over the bird feeders he had placed around the yard.

Ronald was a cheerful giver, and served as church deacon for many years. He taught his children that no one was better than anyone else, and stressed the importance of hard work, honesty, generosity and family first. His favorite saying was, "every day is a good day; some are just better than others."

Ronald courageously battled many serious medical issues over the years, and is now free from pain and suffering.

Ronald is survived by his wife, Linda; daughter, Roxanne (David) Ancheta; son, Chad Wayne Matthews; a grandson, Conner Jack Ancheta; three siblings, Glenn (Laura) Matthews, Barbara Sauls and Rose Kimsey; and many beloved in-laws, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

A graveside service will be held Friday, May 21 at 10:00 AM at Elim Baptist Church Cemetery, 1303 Olanta Hwy., Effingham, SC. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in memory of Ronald J. Matthews to the McLeod Hospice House at McLeod Foundation c/o McLeod Hospice, P.O. Box 100551, Florence, SC 29502.