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AHOSKIE, NC – Roy Duncan “RD” Matthews, age 88, passed away on July 1, 2020 at his home, with his family by his side.

R.D. was born in Bertie County on October 18, 1931, a son of the late Roy Allen and Mary Bunch Matthews.  Mr. Matthews graduated from Mars Hill High School and enlisted in the US Army, where he served as a Military Police Officer, obtaining the rank of Staff Sergeant before leaving the Army. He worked as a salesman for N.S. Godwin of Ahoskie and later became the first Insurance Representative for State Farm Insurance in Ahoskie, serving the community for 30 years.

R.D. was on the Board of Directors for the Ahoskie Rural Fire Department and the Board of Adjustments for the Town of Ahoskie.  After his retirement he enjoyed being with his family, playing golf and most especially volunteering at Creekside Care and Rehabilitation Center in Ahoskie, twice receiving the Governor’s Volunteer Award for Hertford County.

Besides his parents, R.D. was preceded in death by his brother, Jesse Matthews.

Left to cherish his memory is his devoted wife, Finette Bryant Matthews; his son, Larry Duncan Matthews and wife, Winnie of Ahoskie, NC; his granddaughter, Jessica Matthews Brinkley and husband, Josh of Ahoskie, NC; and his great grandchildren, Lily Ann Brinkley, and Bryant Jackson Brinkley.  Also surviving is his sister, Mary Jane Ruegger of Raleigh, NC; and his brother, Spencer Matthews and wife, Delores of Ahoskie, NC.

Garrett-Sykes Funeral Service of Ahoskie will be open for friends and family to view Mr. Matthews, pay their last respects, and sign the guest register from 9:00 am until 5:00 pm on Friday, July 3, 2020. The family will receive friends at the home.

A graveside service will be held on Saturday, July 4, 2020, at 11:00 am, at Highland Memorial Gardens, Ahoskie, NC, with Rev. Dr. Trey Gilliam and Rev. Anita Thompson officiating. Due to the circumstances with COVID-19 from the CDC, NC Board of Funeral Service and the Governor, please adhere to social distancing.

Memorial contributions may be made directly to Community Home Care and Hospice, 200 Green Street, Suite 203, Williamston, NC, 27892; or to the Benevolence Fund, First Baptist Church of Ahoskie, P.O. Box 649, Ahoskie, NC, 27910; or you may donate online by visiting www.tmcfunding.com/search; then type Roy Matthews.

Garrett-Sykes Funeral Service – Ahoskie Chapel is handling the arrangements for the Matthews family and online condolences can be directed to the family by visiting www.garrettsykesfs.com.