Josiah Simpson Matthews

Dr. Josiah Simpson Matthews, III DARLINGTON - Dr. Josiah Simpson Matthews, III was called home by the Lord on August 9, 2014. Funeral services will be held 11:00 Monday, August 11 at Darlington Presbyterian Church. The family will receive friends from 6-8 Sunday at Belk Funeral Home and other times at the home of Dr. Joe and Ruthie Matthews, 103 Brittain Road, Darlington. Burial will be private. Joe Matthews was born on June 4, 1931 in Waycross, Georgia, to Josiah Simpson Matthews, Jr. and Emily Johnson Matthews. He graduated from Denmark, SC High School while living in the family home of his grandfather, Dr. Josiah Simpson Matthews, Sr. Having being called to practice medicine at a young age, Joe received an undergraduate degree from Presbyterian College in Clinton, SC, then received his medical degree from the Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston, SC. Dr. Matthews served in the United States Navy in Jacksonville, FL after receiving his medical degree. There, he and his beloved wife, Ruthie, began their family. In 1961, Dr. Joe and Ruthie moved their family to Darlington, SC, where Joe practiced family medicine for fifty years. Practicing medicine was Dr. Matthews' gift and among his greatest loves. He had a personal connection with each of his patients, and he treated their bodies, minds, and spirits. Joe Matthews encouraged his children, grandchildren, and many young people in the community to find their calling, and pursue the highest education possible for fulfilling life on earth. He knew the joy of fulfillment and encouraged others to find it. Dr. Matthews was a faithful member of Darlington Presbyterian Church. He was instrumental in founding the Darlington Free Medical Clinic where he volunteered for many years. He was awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award by the Darlington County Chamber of Commerce and leaves a legacy of service to his community. Dr. Matthews was preceded in death by his brother, Michael Johnson Matthews. He is survived by his treasured wife, Ruth Houser Matthews, his sister, Louise Matthews Maisel (Oscar) of Bayreuth, Germany, his five children; Benjamin Rushton Matthews (Dotti) of Florence, SC, Dr. Josiah Simpson Matthews, IV (Lisa) of Albany, GA, Warren Mark Matthews, Sr. (Nancy) of Darlington, SC, Brenda Matthews Myers (Joe) of Atlanta, GA, Martha Elizabeth Matthews of Davidson, NC. His fifteen grandchildren, four great-grandchildren, nieces, nephew, cousins, all brought him great joy and opportunity to mentor. In lieu of flowers, Memorials may be made to Darlington Presbyterian Church, 311 Pearl Street, Darlington, SC 29532 or Darlington County Free Medical Clinic, 203 Grove Street, Darlington, SC 29532. A guestbook is available online at www.belkfuneralhome.com