Ruben Matthews

Ruben Earl Matthews

On April 12, 2025, Ruben Earl Matthews, known to many as “Mr. Earl” and to those closest as “Pa,” peacefully completed his earthly journey at the age of 81 in North Carolina. While we will miss him dearly, we celebrate a life that was truly well lived—full of faith, joy, and deep love for family.

Earl was a man who found happiness in the simple things: a quiet morning by the water with a fishing pole in hand, a stack of well-loved comic books, a joke shared around the dinner table, and the laughter of those he loved. His humor was quick, his faith was steady, and his heart was always open.

Earl leaves behind a legacy of love in his daughters, Rhonda Beasley and Lisa Lee; his grandchildren, Thomas Matthews, James Lee, and Shannon Beasley; and his great-grandchildren, Reid, Annalise, and Alyssa. He was a devoted brother to Joyce Turlington, Marie Surles, Peggy Clark, and Gail Gaskins, and a cherished uncle to many nieces and nephews.

Earl is now reunited with his beloved wife, Brenda Johnson Matthews, his parents Allison and Estelle Matthews, his brother Ed Matthews, and his granddaughter Katie Beasley. While we feel their absence, we take comfort knowing they’re together again, watching over us with love.

A memorial service to honor Earl’s incredible life will be held at Greater Light Baptist Church in Lillington on Saturday, April 26 at 2:00 PM. All who knew him are invited to come, share memories, and celebrate a man who made the world a little brighter just by being in it.

Though he may no longer walk beside us, his stories, his laughter, and his love will echo in our hearts always.