Reuben Allen Matthews

Reuben Allen Matthews passed away on Thursday, April 27.  The family will receive friends on Monday, May 1 from 1:00 pm to 1:45 pm at Joyner’s Funeral Home in Wilson, NC and at other times at the daughter’s home at 9280 Midway Road, Bailey, NC.  A funeral service will be held on Monday, May 1 at 2:00 pm at Joyner’s Funeral Home.  Interment will be immediately following the funeral service at Fed Stone Memorial Cemetery in Middlesex, NC.

Reuben is survived by his loving wife, Rhonda Stone Matthews; daughter, Brittney Haskins (Dustin); son, Scott Allen Matthews; sisters, Jan Kemp (William “Bill”) and Joyce Duke (Wade); brother, Tony Matthews; grandchildren, Vivienne Matthews, Eva Matthews, Caroline Matthews, Layla Austin, Annie Haskins, Eli Haskins, and Jessie Haskins.

Reuben was preceded in death by his parents, Robert Lee and Annie Jarrell Matthews; brothers, Robert Matthews, Jr., and Danny Lee Matthews; sister, Peggy Ann Matthews; and daughter-in-law, Kelly Ann Machovec, M.D..

Reuben was born in Richmond, Virginia January 5th, 1950. He grew up in Middlesex or more specifically, the Gallberry, in rural North Carolina. Farm life and hard work dominated his youth. Reuben applied the same effort seen in his farm labor to his studies and graduated as a top student from Bailey High School.

He and his siblings, Robert, Joyce, and Jan used this same grit to overcome the loss of their parents at young ages and make sure their younger siblings Danny and Tony were cared for. During this time, Reuben also graduated from Atlantic Christian College.

He went on to work in the accounting and business fields in the textile and plastics industry throughout his career. He was a respected and trustworthy employee and coworker. Reuben put his business skills and community involvement to use when he became a member of the Board of Directors for Wake Electric Membership Corporation. He worked for many years as a member and president. He took great pride in his work with Wake Electric and its members.

Reuben’s greatest accomplishments include time spent as a family man. He enjoyed being involved in all aspects of his children’s activities from youth athletic leagues to hunting for the perfect horse all over the nooks and crannies of North Carolina. He was always a phone call away if he was ever needed for advice, comfort, or to bring a key when a certain child locked herself out of the house.

Reuben met the love of his life, Rhonda, when they were young. They have been inseparable ever since. It’s hard to think of one without the other. It has always been Rhonda and Reuben or Mama and Daddy. Never separately- always together.

Reuben was surrounded by loved ones when he passed on April 27th, 2023.

Condolences directed to Joyner’s Funeral Home and Crematory at www.joyners.net.