December 15, 2011

William Edward Matthews, 85, of Suffolk, Va., passed away Dec. 15, 2011. He was born in Driver, Va., the son of the late Susie Costen Matthews and Willie G. Matthews Sr. He was predeceased by his wife, Shirley; three brothers and two sisters. He was a 20-year U.S. Navy veteran, having served during World War II and the Korean War. He also served 10 years in the Naval Reserves. Edward later went on to retire from the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard nuclear tool shops 06 and 51. He was a member of the Fleet Reserve Association for over 50 years. He enjoyed spending time with family and friends fishing and crabbing at Pamlico Beach.

Edward is survived by his daughters, Sherry L. Matthews, Sally A. Matthews and Susan J. Sharp (Eddie), all of Suffolk, Va.; son, Bill “Bump” Matthews (Melanie), of Richmond; sister, Janice Grover; brother, Riddick Matthews; and sisters-in-law, Sally R. and Geraldine Matthews.

A celebration of life service with military honors will be held Saturday, Dec. 17, 2011, at 11 a.m. at Parr Funeral Home & Crematory with the Rev. Rebecca Lesley officiating. Memorial donations may be made to the Nansemond Suffolk Rescue Squad at P.O. Box 1515, Suffolk, VA 23439 or the charity of your choice. Condolences may be registered online at www.parrfuneralhome.com.