Gerald E. Jerry Matthews., Sr.

RALEIGH - Gerald Edward 'Jerry' Matthews Sr. went to be with his Heavenly Father on April 1st, 2012 after a tough fight with diabetes and other complications. He was born on November 11, 1945 to George 'Ed' and Audrey Matthews of Angier, NC. He graduated from Angier High School in 1964. While at Angier High, he excelled in football and earned a spot on the 1963 All-East Football Team. He attended Frederick Military Academy and graduated in 1965. He went on to attend Chowan College and later graduated in 1992. In his early years at Chowan, he continued to excel at football earning accolades such as Jr. College All American and All Conference. In 1990, he was inducted into the Chowan Braves Sports Hall of Fame while his parents and children proudly watched. In 2002, he graduated Cum Laude from Campbell University. Jerry worked at First Citizens Bank and Belks The Capital Room in his younger years. As many may know, Jerry was gifted in the culinary arts. He pursued his passion as a chef for the corporate cafeteria of Wandel & Goltermann from 1988 - 2001. He then taught culinary arts in Harnett County from 2002 - 2003 and in Wake County from 2003 -2005. Additionally, he owned his own concession stand and would provide delicious food to the Triangle Wide Horsemans Association during the late 90s and early 2000s. 'Tiny' was active in his childrens lives and in the community. He was a member of the Fuquay-Varina Baptist Church where he made many special life-long friends. He was also the past President of the Fuquay-Varina Middle School PTA and Vice President of the McCullers Ruritan Club. Much to his childrens delight, he coached numerous youth softball, baseball and football teams. A huge part of his life was his Chowan Family. The love and support of this group of friends enriched his life beyond measure. We are so thankful that they have been and will be part of his familys life forever. He loved each one of them. There were also special friends who were there constantly during his difficult times that we will never forget. Family has always meant everything to Jerry. He cherished his wife and children and his extended family. His sister, Susan and her husband and his mother-in-law, Naomi Lee were always there for him. His brothers-in-law, their wives and all of his nieces and nephews each had a very special place in his heart. Funeral service will be 3:00 pm Wednesday at Fuquay-Varina Baptist Church. Burial will follow at Lakeside Memorial Gardens. The family will receive friends from 6:30-8:30 pm Tuesday at Bryan-Lee Funeral Home, Garner. He was preceded in death by his parents and grandparents. Surviving are his wife of 33 years, Elizabeth Joanne Lee Matthews and his children: Gerald Edward 'Eddie' of Raleigh, NC; Leslie Elizabeth of Carolina Beach, NC; Christin Naomi Harman and husband Jason of Jackson Springs, NC; and Millard Lee 'Lee' of Raleigh, NC. Donations may be sent to the American Kidney Fund or Chowan University Office of Development at One University Place, Murfreesboro, NC 27855. Please denote in the memo line 'Football Center Campaign.'