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GATES, NC – William Edward “Billy” Matthews, 92, of 356 Middle Swamp Road, Gates, NC, and more recently of The Gates House Assisted Living, died Saturday, August 19, 2023.

Billy was born in Gates County on November 5, 1930 and was the son of the late Willie Edward and Erma Blanche Smith Matthews. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Marie Byrum Matthews; his brother, John Carroll “J.C.” Matthews; and a nephew, Carroll Mizelle.

Like his parents before him, Billy was a lifelong resident of the Middle Swamp community in Gates County and a faithful member of Middle Swamp Baptist Church. He was the retired co-owner and operator of Rountree & Riddick General Merchandise in Sunbury, had served in the Sunbury Volunteer Fire Department, and was an Army veteran serving during the Korean War.

Surviving are two nephews, Robert Matthews and Donnie Mizelle; a large extended family of cousins; his church family; and many, many friends.

Funeral services will be held Wednesday, August 23rd, at 11:00 a.m. in Middle Swamp Baptist Church and will be conducted by his pastor, The Rev. Burt Pearce. The burial will follow in the church cemetery where he rest next to his beloved Marie. Friends are invited to visit with the family in the social hall immediately following the service.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in his memory may be made to Middle Swamp Baptist Church, in care of Kellie Lane, P.O. Box 485, Gatesville, NC 27938.

Miller Funeral Home, 304 Main Street, Gatesville, is handling arrangements and online condolences may be made by visiting www.millerfhc.com.