Matthew Carl Willoughby

GARNER – Matthew Carl Willoughby, 47, passed away on September 20, 2024. Matthew was born on October 13, 1976, to Kimberly Whitacre Willoughby, and the late Martin “Matt” Willoughby.

Matthew was passionate about life and lived it to the fullest. His larger-than-life personality was admired and adored by most people that had the benefit of meeting him. He was quick with a joke at the most inappropriate times, but somehow you couldn’t help but laugh. Matthew was a great athlete, playing both football and baseball in college. He could also impress with reciting all the words to multiple musicals like Les Misérables or Hamilton. He truly had the warmest of hearts and greeted everyone with that infectious smile. Matthew loved being around his friends, and most of all, he loved spending time with his family.

Matthew is survived by his mother, Kimberly Willoughby; sister, Jennifer “Nicki” Willoughby; brother, Ryan Willoughby and wife, Carrie; nephews, Kevin, Parker, and Easton Willoughby; and uncles, Steve Whitacre and Scott Whitacre.

A memorial service will be held on Sunday, October 13, 2024, at 2:00 PM, in the Bryan-Lee Funeral Home Chapel, 1200 Benson Road, Garner, NC 27529.

Flowers are welcome and may be sent to Bryan-Lee Funeral Home, 1200 Benson Road, Garner, NC 27529. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Matthew’s memory to Samaritan's Purse: https://www.samaritanspurse.org

Arrangements by Bryan-Lee Funeral Home, Garner, NC.