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Matthew Gfeller Obituary
Memories and Condolences
for Matthew Gfeller
Jo-Anne Gramaglia
August 20, 2020
Dear Bob and Lisa, you all are always in our hearts. Our love grows for Matthew each time we hold him in our thoughts. He is a handsome, vibrant young man who has a special place in my heart. Thank you for always keeping me in your lives.
Love you all,
Aunt Jo-Anne (Gramaglia)
Judith Czaja McCaffrey
September 17, 2008
Dear Bobby, Lisa, Uncle Bob, Aunt Jackie, Debbie, Charlie and the extended Gfeller family:
Please accept our deepest condolences on the loss of Matthew. We've been family a long, long time and feel your loss deeply. May you find comfort in one another at this tragic and difficult time. God Bless you all. With deepest regards and loads of love, Judi Czaja McCaffrey, Tom, Katie, and Libby McCaffrey and the rest of the Czaja "cousins"
Stan Larson
September 9, 2008
Bob & Family,
Please accept my condolences for the loss of your son. Your family will be in our prayers.
- (former PLANTERS TMM)
John, Diana, and Anzhela Bozeman
September 6, 2008
Dear Bob, Lisa and Family,
We are all very sorry for your loss.
Jane and Mitchell Venable
September 4, 2008
My husband and I would like you to know you are all in our prayers. It has been almost 2 weeks since Matt's accidnet. I know from experience the ach is still there. We lost our son 2 and a half years ago and the ach is still there. A friend of ours left us with this quote that I have passed on to others that have lost a child. The quote goes like this,
"Our loved one is with the Lord and the Lord has promised to be with us, so if they are with Him and He is with us they can not be far away".
We do not understand nor will we but we can trust. Dale(our son) was only 21, waiting to enter UNC Wilmington when God called him home. We miss him as we know you do with Matt. Our prayers and thoughts are with you .
Lowe's Regional Office
September 3, 2008
Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Lowe's Region 3 Office
Billy Sarvis, Sloan Wilson, Doug Aldridge, Don Satterfield, Johnnie Jennings, Stephanie Carlson, Dan Jones and Mark Smith
Shawn Watkins
September 3, 2008
Bob & Lisa,
I was very saddend to hear of your loss. My wife and I are praying for you and your family.
Shawn Watkins
Dennis Whittaker
September 3, 2008
Bob,
I was saddened to learn of your painful loss after recognizing your familiar surname - please accept my family's condolences and prayers.
Mike decker
September 2, 2008
Sir let me express my deepest condolences to your family. Our prayer and thoughts go out to your family.
Jeff & Debbie Ballard
September 2, 2008
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. God Bless each of you.
Shaun Garvin
September 2, 2008
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Craig and Kris Sanders
September 2, 2008
Bob our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.. We are keeping you in our prayers god bless.
Greg Proctor
September 2, 2008
Bob,
I lost my boy after 2weeks of life. I will never forget him, but just like your son, God must have needed another Angel in Heavan. I am so sorry, will will keep you in our prayers.
Kirk and Sherri Carroll, District 1239
September 2, 2008
My family's thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Dan Golec
September 2, 2008
My family and I are keeping you in our prayers as you go through this trying time. God Bless.
Mike Brown and Family
September 2, 2008
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. God Bless You.
David Weber
September 1, 2008
My prayers are with you. May god give you strength. I am heart broken by your loss as I have recently lost a family member. Your Lowes family Loves you and is here to support you through this unimaginable time.
Scott & Tammie Cope (Lowes District 1264)
September 1, 2008
My families thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of need. Our hearts go out to you as we ourselves lost our child last year. No words can be said to ease your pain, only time and the support of family, friends and coworkers will help you through this tragedy.
A caring Nascar Fan
September 1, 2008
Peace be with you.
Dale and Charlotte Pauley
August 31, 2008
Bob, Lisa, Robbie, Haley and Mimi, We were saddened by the news of your dear one's football accident and death. Please accept our deepest sympathy. We cannot begin to know the deep pain you are going through but we do know God will walk with you during your sorrow. Be comforted by the wonderful memories you have of your time with Matthew. Only God knows why such accidents happen. Our love and prayers are with you during this time of sorrow.
Linda Gulledge
August 31, 2008
My deepest and sincere sympathies to the Gfeller family on the lost of Matthew. I can not even to began to imagine the pain you are feeling. I was in Winston-Salem when his accident occurred, visiting my grandchildren, who are also in sports. I had to immediately stop and pray for your family and ask God's blessing on each of you. May He guide you through this most difficult time. You will continue to be in our prayers.
Linda Gulledge
Shane, Michaiah & Jacob
Steve and Deana Schultz
August 31, 2008
Dear Gfeller Family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this most difficult time. God Bless You
pat & vernon jones
August 30, 2008
our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Diane Lazor Elkins
August 29, 2008
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Debbie Gray
August 29, 2008
Dear Gfeller family,
I am so saddened by your pain as you move through the days ahead. I don't believe that we have ever met, but we also are members of St. Leo. We also have 2 sons and a daughter, and we also ache and yearn, to the depth of our soul, for our second son. Our son, Josh, left his earthly home for heaven on Dec. 11th 2004. He was in his senior year at Mount Tabor. I know that now you may be feeling that the presence of Matt's absence is EVERYWHERE. I pray that God continues to fill you with strength, comfort and courage to move through the storm. Take refuge in God. He is the God of ~ and most importantly, the God in the storm. I had someone tell me in the days following Josh’s funeral...”Your job right now is to breathe”. He knew, because he also was a father missing his son. I was so thankful for those words. That was all I felt I could do. In a breath our children left and we miss them with every breath we take thereafter. We have found such comfort in our faith. Faith is everything that penetrates the darkness. Faith does not stand instead of fear. Rather, it stands in the face of fear and in spite of fear. I pray that those that surround you know that missing Matt has nothing to do with a lack of faith or hope, or your belief in a loving God. Grief is missing someone forever. God and your faith is what keeps you standing. I pray for your friends and family to surround you, hold you and share their strength when you feel yours will not suffice.
"Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go." Joshua 1:9
You will remain in our prayers,
Jerry, Debbie, Adam and Michelle Gray
Amy Hailey (c/o 94')
August 29, 2008
I was so sorry to learn of your sons passing though I did not know him personally. I was moved on so many different levels. First as a health care professional as I was at work in the OR at Forsyth as the word spread to us last Saturday morning. Second as a mother. I am expecting my first child in December and I cannot imagine the pain you are going through. I can only hope that your faith will sustain you. And third as a Reynolds Alumni. It breaks my heart and also lifts it to see the show of emotion by the students of RJR. Your family is in my heart and in my prayers during this difficult time in your lives. May the beautiful memories you have of Matt live on in your hearts forever.
Beth Boswell
August 28, 2008
Dear Lisa and Bob,
We ache and hurt for you. Beautiful ,vivid memories and the love you shared with Matt will be a comfort, death can not take that away. Please know that we will hold you in our thoughts and prayers.
Love,
Beth and Skip Boswell
Mark Lewandowski
August 28, 2008
On Behalf of the West Catholic Burr Football Family and players we want to extend our deepest condolences for your loss.
Ed & Katie Holme
August 28, 2008
Dear Bob, Lisa and family,
Words cannot express our sympathies for you all. We hope and trust that somehow you will find comfort in His amazing grace.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Eric Ophoff
August 28, 2008
To the Gfeller family,
The people of AbitibiBowater who have worked with your staff are saddened by your loss. We offer our sincere condolences to you in this very difficult time.
Al Webb
August 28, 2008
I would like to give my deepest sympathy for the family...I do not know the young man but I heard the news here in charlotte on a local tv station..I am from winston and graduate of Reynolds class of 86 and a former scout leader with troop 920..I have heard some great things about Matthew and its a blessing to know he has soo many friends and we all know he is in good hands with the lord above...Again my deepest sympathy to the family
Janet LaRowe
August 28, 2008
Dear Gfeller family,
Though we don't know each other personally, please know that you have been in my thoughts and prayers this past week. I can't pretend to know the pain you are feeling, I only hope that you may find some comfort in knowing that many, many people are sharing in your sadness now.
SHANNON MOORE
August 27, 2008
MY THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU THROUGH THIS TIME OF SORROW. YOU WILL ONE DAY GET TO SEE MATTHEW'S SMILING FACE AND HIS GREAT LAUGH AGAIN. MAY GOD BLESS YOUR FAMILY.
Bonnie Phillips and family
August 27, 2008
As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life’s routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.
Bruce Petersen
August 27, 2008
Our hearts truly ach for your loss of Matthew. Words of sympathy are a comfort. Words of experience are I hope some help. My wife, son and I moved here about 2 years ago from Nebraska, just for a change. In 1993 we lost our 13 yr old son Christopher suddenly from a head injury do to a farm accident. No hugs, no I love you, no I'm sorry I yelled at you, no good bye. Losing Christopher literally turned our world up side down as I am sure your loss has yours. We know exactly what you are going through and our hearts and prayers go out to you. At this point I am sure you are asking God, WHY! I did, and after all these years I still do. I'm no longer looking for an answer, at least not in this life. I just know where he is and someday we'll join him. Are you mad at God? I was and that's ok, I am sure he understands. He knows we somewhat prepare ourselves for the loss of our parents, our spouse, aunts, uncles and siblings. not the sudden loss of a child. Please don't turn your back on him, he is there for you. It may be in small ways or maybe undeniably obvious as it was at one point for me. Either way he is there for you. Grieve together as a family, hold each other as much as possible, sorrow is easier together than apart. Encourage friends and family to talk about and tell funny stories about Matthew. You will start to realize a lot of people will be afraid to talk about Matthew for fear of making you uncomfortable. Its just the opposite. You will cherish those thoughts and stories and it feels so good to know they are keeping Matthews memories alive. It lightens the heart. I could go on but I am already questioning if I should even send this. Am I out of line for a sympathy note? If I am I sincerely apologies. I just know we welcomed any kind of help we could get, If there is any way we can help please let me know. It really doe's help to talk to others that have gone through the loss of a child. You will get through this I promise. This may sound strange but someday you will understand, I still to this day have not gotten over losing Christopher but I have gotten used to it and I am happy with that, I think of him daily and that keeps the memories alive. May God, family and friends bless and comfort you.
V HODGIN
August 27, 2008
MY HEART IS SO SAD FOR YOUR FAMILY. I ALSO FEEL THIS DEEP PAIN. MY SON JORDAN WENT TO BE WITH JESUS ON 2-27-05. THE PAIN IS UNBEARABLE AT TIMES AND YOUR HEART HURTS SO MUCH THAT YOU CAN NOT BREATHE. I KNOW GOD WILL GIVE YOU STRENGTH FOR TODAY AND HOPE FOR TOMORROW. IF YOU EVER NEED A FRIEND THAT KNOWS YOUR PAIN ,PLEASE CONTACT ME. I KNOW MATTHEW WAS THE JOY TO YOUR HEART. AS A CHRISTIAN I KNOW MATTHEW IS IN THE ARMS OF JESUS BUT YOU MISS HIM AND YOUR HEART IS HURTING. MAY GOD COMFORT YOU. GOD IS ALWAYS IN CONTROL AND HIS TIMING IS PERFECT. I WILL KEEP YOU IN MY PRAYERS.
Marjorie Meredith
August 27, 2008
To the Gfeller family - there is not much that I can say that has not already been said but I want you to know that you are all in my prayers. Though I do not know you personally, I was devastated when I heard the news at work on Monday and my heart goes out to you all. It is never easy to lose someone that is close to you especially someone that is so young. Look to God and He will give you strength to make it through this difficult time and take time to remember all the good times that you shared together.
Sarah Haithcock
August 27, 2008
Your family has been in my thoughts and prayers since Sat. I went home Sat night from work and hugged my sons just because I still could especially my youngest who is # 57 for the "other" Reynolds (AC Reynolds) Please know I will continue to pray for you in the days to come.
Jeff Stroot
August 27, 2008
My Prayers go out to your family from a Reynolds High Dad, of Justin and Jessica Stroot. let us know if you need anything.
Olivia M
August 27, 2008
I remember Matty at Whitaker and Westwood. He was funny. Mrs. Gfeller was the best mom to Matt- always positive and encouraging. I am very sorry for the Gfeller family as this is not fair to them and they will really miss him.
Johnny Oglesby
August 27, 2008
Matt was a great kid and his memory willlive on in all of us. Our prayers are with your family!
Love Johnny & Renee Oglesby & family
Carol Hartman
August 27, 2008
DEAR BOB,
WE WERE DEEPLY SADDENED WHEN WE HEARD OF THE VERY TRAGIC LOSS OF YOUR SON MATT.
HE SOUNDS LIKE A WONDERFUL CHILD AND YOU CAN BE SO PROUD OF THIS BEAUTIFUL SON.
WE WOULD LIKE TO EXTEND OUR LOVE AND DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO YOU AND YOUR FAMILY AND ALSO TO ALL HIS FRIENDS.
OUR PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU AT THIS VERY DIFFICULT TIME.
CAROL AND RICHARD HARTMAN
ELGIN, IL
Ken Martin and Stan Huck
August 27, 2008
To the Gfeller family,
Having never met Mathew, our families are connected through Robbie as he and Jacob attended Wiley, RJR and now UNC-Chapel Hill together.
What a terrible loss to have your son taken from your lives so unexpectedly and tragically. He seems to have been a boy becoming a young man who would have given his parents and those around him so many opportunities to smile in his enjoyment of life. Feel our grief of that loss.
You are certainly in our thoughts during this time and in the days, months and years ahead. May you find Peace and Grace to comfort you.
Mt. Tabor Barber Shop
August 27, 2008
Our thoughts and prayers are with your family in this very difficult time.
Charleen Porter
August 27, 2008
To the Gfeller family, I am so sorry the loss of your son, and brother. I lost my 16 year old step-son in April 2007due to a car accident. He was also a sophomore and a football player. This strikes very close to home for me, and I understand your pain. All I can promise is that you will get thru this, somehow, someway. Somedays it will seem impossible to breathe, but Matthew will give you the air you need to make it. You will never be able to physically see Matthew again or hear his voice, but you will always feel his presence. Your son accomplished alot in his short time on this earth, and was quite an honorable young man. Pull your family and friends close to you, and keep the faith. Your family is in my prayers. Godspeed...
Kiesha Parker
August 27, 2008
Bob ~
My heart sincerely goes out to you and your family at this time of loss and bereavement. I recently lost my uncle in a tragic motorcycle accident and can somewhat understand the hurt you are feeling with having a loved one taken away so unexpectedly. However, as a mother, I do not know what you are feeling at the loss of your child, but know that my prayers are with you and your wife, and your children and family. God is working feverishly to bring his angels home. Know that he will never put more on you than you can bear and that Matthew is with his heavenly father now, awaiting the day he will be rejoined again with his earthly family and loved ones. Continue to look to God for your strength and know that your faith in Him will bring you over this mountain. I love you all and pray for your healing through this time.
Kiesha Parker
Prior Sr. Mktg. Specialist - Appliances
Jennifer Deem
August 27, 2008
Bob-
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.....
L S
August 27, 2008
To the Gfeller family,
You and your family will forever join us-as we will continue to pray for you. We will pray that God gives you the strength you need to carry on. We will pray for Matt's sibling's as they have endured a GREAT LOSS at such a young age...may Matt guide them in the right direction and give them strength to carry on his legend. I know the loss of a sibling and it is unbareable at times. When you feel like giving up....look up to the sky and know Matt is their shining his wisdom and love down on you. When you feel like you are alone, know forever...you have someone that is watching over you at all times. When nothing gives you comfort- go outside and feel the wind, the rain, or the sun and know Matthew is their and will forever be there for you. You are given a guardian angel and a best friend to comfort you whenever you need it.
May your pain be eased by Matt's presence in your hearts.
Len Sadek
August 27, 2008
Bob,
I know how proud you were of Matt and I know the positive memories you have will last a lifetime. My family is very sorry for your loss.
The Sadek Family
Mary Jane Michaels
August 27, 2008
Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.
Sam Barness
August 27, 2008
Thanks for the Rainbow Matt
Patrick Perkins
August 27, 2008
Dear Gfeller Family,
On behalf of the Perkins family, I extend my sincerest condolences. God is holding Matthew close and I pray for your comfort and peace.
God Bless and Be With You All.
Barbara B
August 26, 2008
My prayers are with you.
Monica Needam
August 26, 2008
Gfeller Family: I am so sorry for your lost. My heart goes out to you and your family. I to have a son who just entered high school and plays football. We all have been praying for you and your family. I am sure God is taking the best care of him. God Bless you and your family.
August 26, 2008
God Bless you and comfort you during this time of great sorrow. May the Lord hold Matt in the palm of his hands. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
God Bless,
Your Friends at Lowe's Motor Speedway
Andrea Cline
August 26, 2008
My husband and I are saying prayers for your family. Your son was such a vibrant person, and I can see it in the love that has been shown him by others. We are sending our son to Summit this year and hope he can grow to be as fine an individual as your son is. He is back with his maker and shining down on your family now, so I will pray for you and him. May God Bless.
Sean O'Brien
August 26, 2008
To the Gfeller's, I am terribly sorry and saddened in regards to this tragedy. While words will not bring comfort, please know that your family is loved and the memory of Matt not forgotten. You will remain in our prayers.
With deepest sympathy, Sean O'Brien - "Lowe's How-To Village"
lauren fleming
August 26, 2008
i met matts younger brother the other day and he was one of the nicest kids i have ever met and even though i never knew matt ive heard that he was a great guy, friend and class mate. im so sorry for RJR and the gfeller family. im praying for the family along with everyone else at tabor.
Erin
August 26, 2008
I will be keeping you all in my prayers.
Angie Eastridge
August 26, 2008
Gfeller Family- I would like to express my sincere sympathy over the loss of your son. My heart goes out to the entire family. I know Matt was loved by so many. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. I'm very sorry for your loss.
Edwina & Richard Terry
August 26, 2008
My heart goes out to the entire family. I am so sorry for your loss. I was in the ER on Friday night, waiting to be seen when everyone came together for a word of prayer. My family began to pray with you all. I will continue to keep all of you in my prayers. Remember God will never leave you, he is with you always.
Danika Speer
August 26, 2008
There really is no loss greater than the loss of a child. We are not supposed to out-live our children. Yet you have. And I have. We lost our 9 year old 5 years ago, and yet is still seems like yesterday. My oldest was 10 and my youngest, only 14 months. I have been were you are now and I can tell you that you will survive. Through the tremendous pain, you will pull through, as a family. Keep your faith, love eachother, and accept the overwhelming support from your extended family, friends and community. Hold eachother a little longer and express your love often. You will be a family again. Matthew is watching over you and is smiling upon you. This poem was sent to me through e-mail and I put it in my son's guest book for all to read. It gave me and my family great comfort. It still does to this day. I hope it does for you as well:
When God calls little children to dwell with Him above,
We mortals sometimes question
the wisdom of His love,
Perhaps God tires of calling
the aged to His fold,
So He picks a rosebud
before it can grow old.
God knows how much we need them,
and so He takes but few
To make the land of Heaven
more beautiful to view.
Believing this is difficult
still somehow we must try,
The saddest word mankind knows
will always be "Goodbye."
So when a little child departs,
we who are left behind,
Must realize God loves children,
Angels are hard to find.
Jeffrey Nelson
August 26, 2008
I'm sorry for the lost. this is a tragic time for the family but God is with us all. I will keep you in pray.
Judy Jones
August 26, 2008
To the Gfeller Family:
I don't even know if you will remember me, but I was the Assistant Principal at Whitaker Elementary when Matthew attended there. I have nothing but exceptionally fond memories of you all. You're in my prayers every day. May God Bless you all and give you strength during this most difficult time. And try to remember that HE is in control.
Frann Griffin
August 26, 2008
Prayers, Hugs, Tears and Found Memories of Matt will sustain you during this tragic moment in time.
Matt's accomplishments in 15 years, would have taken others a lifetime to achieve. While learning how to use his newly gained wings, Matt unselfishly illuminated Monday morning's sky with a perfect rainbow; vivid like his impact on all who knew him as well as his impact on those of us who have just met him. You will remain in my prayers, Always, Always. Most Sincerely, Frann Griffin
Gloria & David Williams
August 26, 2008
May God Bless your family. My prayers are with your family.
Zachary Willis
August 26, 2008
To the Gfeller family we are still grieving with you.I am a freshman atR.J.Reynolds and we miss Matt greatly. We didn't just lose a classmate or friend we lost a member of not just your family but the Reynolds family as well. Matt were ever you are we still love you. Long live # 57
Donny Blais
August 26, 2008
Bob,
My sincere sympathies to you and your family. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Danehy Carson
August 26, 2008
To the Gfeller Family,
First and formost
I would like to express my deepest
sympathy in this difficult time for you.In this world today with so much
strife and negative news the life that
Matt lived with his positive actions and compassion for others will live on in the memories of his loved ones and friends. May God bless and
comfort you with his eternal love and peace.
Andrew Halverson
August 26, 2008
Dear Gfeller Family - Jill and I are so saddened by the loss of your wonderful son (and brother). While I did not know Matt, I remember reading the story of him achieving his rank of Eagle Scout. I'm quite certain that the recent news stories of his wonderful character are only the tip of the ice of the iceberg; all three of your children are wonderful because of their faith in God and the love and guidance from two wonderful parents. Please keep the faith for God loves you all so dearly.
M
August 26, 2008
My heart is heavy for your family during this difficult time. A verse of comfort comes to mind and hope it will help you through.
NIV: Isaiah 57:1,2 The righteous perish, and no one ponders it in his heart, devout men are taken away, and no one understands that the righteous are taken away TO BE SPARED FROM EVIL. Those who walk uprightly enter into peace; they find rest as they lie in death.
If He takes you to it, He will take you through it. God bless you.
RJR Reynolds Vasity and JV Baseball Team
August 26, 2008
R.I.P. Our fellow schoolmate you will be miss by so many.
Joe and Mary Means
August 26, 2008
We are so sadden by the loss of such a Great young man. He will be dearly missed by all that knew him and by those who loved him. Keep in mind that God knows best at what he does.
DELORIS SNIPES
August 26, 2008
I Did not know matt, but such a sad tragedy. I feel so deeply sad and hurt, keep god close to your heart because he is just a prayer away he will not put no more on you than you can bare.
Carol Sawyer
August 26, 2008
My family and I have done nothing but discuss this tragedy that has happened in your life, the loss of a wonderful Son. We have two sons of our own who played football for many years. I cannot imagine your loss, your grief. Please know, all of you are in our prayers, our thoughts that the Lord will give you strength. Lean on each other for support as there is nothing like Family.
Lisa Wagoner
August 26, 2008
Dear Gfellers, Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this incredibly difficult time. Evan and Matt were friends at Whitaker and we cherish the memories of good times they had together. Matthew was such an outstanding person. Please hold each other tight through your grief. We will always, always remember Matthew Gfeller. Lisa, Elliot and Evan Wagoner
Laura Hall
August 26, 2008
Bob-
I am very sorry for your loss. My deepest sympthies to you and your family.
Sabrina
August 26, 2008
I did not know your son but it seems he was a wonderful child. My family and I will keep you in our prayers.
S. Shore-Turner
August 26, 2008
May God bless you and be with you in this time of sadness....My prayers are with you.
Stephen Edgar
August 26, 2008
So sorry to learn of your loss. While we have not yet met, I too am a parent...and will pray earnestly for you and your family at what must be a very difficult time.
With deepest sympathy,
Nancy
August 26, 2008
My thoughts and prayers are with the family of Matthew Gfeller.
sandra boyd
August 26, 2008
my heart go out to the family. may god watch over the family and keep you all, i know how it is to loose a child, i have ben there in 1973. love you all.
Stacy A loven Mother of 3 Boyz
August 26, 2008
First and foremost I want to say how truly sorry I am for your lose I went to RJ Reynolds, came out in 98 a big fan of the foot ball team...I now am a mother of 3boys and I tell myself all the time these children are not our..Their Gods. He give them to us to watch over, protect, and love them...Show them right from wrong to guide them in the right direction teaching them how to be Leaders and not followers..God needed this Wonderful young man to march in his army now...Matts work is done here,God has bigger and better planes for him now...Oh he is not dead, he is very much alive...So please do not stand at his Grave and forever weep.
He is not there; He does not sleep.
He is a thousand winds that blow.
He is the Diamond gilts on snow.
He is the Sunlight on ripened grain.
He is the gentle autumn's rain.
When you Mr & Mrs Gfeller awake in the morning hush.
He will be that swift uplifting rush of quiet birds in circled flight.
He will be the stars that shine so bright at night...So please, DO NOT Stand at his grave and forever cry, He is not there He DID NOT DIE.....
God said," If I bring you to it, I'll take you Through it...
Larry and Judi Lynn
August 26, 2008
Our hearts and prayers go out to you. Our son Mike was a good friend of Matt back at Whitaker elementary. He played lacrosse with Matt and Nyland in Winston. Mike and Matt were good friends especially in 5th grade. We moved to Kernersville so Mike changed schools for middle school. May God give you strengh and comfort in this time of greif. We will forever keep you in hearts and our prayers.
Pat (Thomas) Fisher
August 26, 2008
Matthew's death has touched our community in a heartfelt way. His youth, his character, and the terrible accident from the sport America loves so much. I'm so sorry about this. I pray for God to carry you through your grief. Lisa, I remember you from LHC, also remember that Bob was our client. I retired in 1997 and have great memories of my 39 years there.
Mandy Bishop
August 26, 2008
Dear Bob
I have only worked with you for a short time, but I know you to be a man of loyalty, compassion, integrity, and a closeness to your family. My prayers go out to you and your family during this time and I hope that you are proud of the impression that your son has made on all of us. Just from the overall response the love that the community has for you and your family is undescriable. My thoughts and prayers will be with you all.
Hope
August 26, 2008
I am so sorry for your loss. I didn't know your son but he seemed to be a wonderful child and I'll keep you in my prayers.
Cherry Teal
August 26, 2008
We are praying for your family and for God to give you the strength to endure. We love you!! My son Amon Giles was Matt's team mate. We love you RJR!! RIP Matt, Love You Amon.
Nancy Haynes
August 26, 2008
I, too, lost a precious child. Only a parent can know the pain.
May God bless all of you, and give you peace.
Alice Clodfelter
August 26, 2008
My thoughts and prayers are with you. I lost my son at age 8 with cystic fibrosis. God gives us these angels to enjoy in our life and they are truly a blessing. Matt was an inspiration to others from what I have read. Meeting with the coach and the player from the other team was so sweet to acknowledge that it was an accident. May God be with you during this difficult time. Your church has suffered a lot of losses in the last year.
Sonya Youse
August 26, 2008
My son also plays football for stokes county and when i heard about this i was so hurt by it. My family and friends are praying for you and your family. He will be miss i was told he was a loving person. Just know that other parents will be praying for you.
Sonya Will and Samuel Youse
May God Bless You All.
George Halages
August 26, 2008
We will all pray that God will send His comfort and love to your entire family. My very deepest sympathies.
Angela Lindsay
August 26, 2008
I dont know your family, but i just wanted to say that I will be praying for you, I have a 16 and 14 year old and I cant imagine life without either of them.But I do know in reading and hearing about your son that he really made you all proud of him, He will be a great positive reflection of God for all teenagers to rember him by. No one day is promised. Rember that now he is playing football for one of the most (Powerfull teams it is)-God's Team. There is no loosing, there is no injuries and in this team everyone scores a point. Be encouraged.
Gina and Steve Freeman
August 26, 2008
To the family, friends and school of Matthew. I am writing on behalf of my husband,Officer Steve Freeman as well as myself and family.
Words cannot express the sympathy that we feel. We are deeply sorry for your suffering and loss.
In 1983, on a field at Tuscola High School, I lost my best friend Brett Howell. He had just completed a light practice on the football field and was in a huddle finishing up with the coaches. I was in the gym playing volleyball as two of my friends broke the news to me. I ran to a friend's car and to the hospital..only to find out that Brett had died on the football field due to a heart condition.
It was the beginning of my Sophomore year...
For many months I asked God why? It was only in time that God showed me that HE had purpose for taking such a young man from this earth.
In Eccl; the word of God states that "there is a time to be born and a time to die" Matthew's death was no surprise to our Lord. We see from the human prespective the loss and we feel the pain that makes you want to simply quit. But if you could see Matthew now...you would not cry...he is walking with our Lord-the King of all Kings.
We think we could have prevented this in someway.To the young player that hit Matthew...it is not your fault.GOD called Matthew home. Please, do not blame yourself..for it is not of the Lord.
To the family, friends,coaches, teammates and all who knew Matthew....God will use this for His glory. Matthew must have been a fine young man for the Lord to call him home and to use him for such Holy purpose.
During the time of Brett's death and after, we watched many come to Christ and change their lives...we watched families stay together, mother and father's hug their kids more. Tuscola High never forgot Brett and his loving kindness...Just as Matthew will not be as well. My graduation speech in 1984 paid tribute to my best friend. I had decided to play my best, work at my grades, and become a stronger Christian.
Only God knows the purpose and the reason that he chose to take Matthew home. You will never stop missing him or stop loving him.He will always be a gentle reminder that our days are limited and to be kinder to each other.
May the Lord of all bless each of you and keep you. To the parents of Matthew...know that your son is in peace and you all will someday see him again!
In Christ's Love and Prayer,
Gina and Officer Steve Freeman
GK Musson
August 25, 2008
Dear Bob, Lisa, Robbie and Haley,
We have such fond memories of Halloween at Tanglewood with all of the kids getting pumpkins and singing along with the "witch", the zoo trips and the birthday parties.
We would do anything to ease your pain.
God bless you and keep you,
Georgeanne, Skye, McClain, Granath and Chandler Musson
Jacob Schrader
August 25, 2008
I remember Matthew from the South Fork Panthers. I am a Sophmore at West Stokes, playing JV football. I remember how he loved football even then. My family and I are praying for your pain. He was a great guy and will be missed by everyone who knew him.
Claire, Ronnie, Owen, Hailey& Robert Hawks
August 25, 2008
My family wishes to express our deepest sympathy to your family.May God bring you comfort and a shoulder to lean on in the days and weeks to come. While we do not know your family, we like many are grieving with you. May God bless all of Matthew's family, friends and teammates. Your son has touched many lives.
Kim
August 25, 2008
There is no greater loss than that of a child. Even though I do not know your family, my heart breaks for you. I too have lost a child far too soon. Lean on each other during this horrible time. Know that Matthew is now in heaven watching over you.
Molly Beck
August 25, 2008
Matthew's sudden and tragic death has touched strangers throughout the state. May you be comforted in knowing that prayers for your family are constant.
Molly Beck
RJR Class of '68
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