Debsel Matthews

Angier, NC:  Mr. Debsel Norlynn Matthews, age 81, of 4627 Old Fairground Road died Sunday at the SECU Hospice House in Smithfield surrounded by his loving family. Funeral services will be 2:00PM Thursday at Rose & Graham Funeral Home Chapel in Benson. Officiating will be the Rev. Dr. Otis Hamm, Rev. David Langley, and Rev. Aubrey Williamson.  Burial will follow in Devotional Gardens, Dunn. Mr. Matthews was born September 23, 1932 in Johnston County to the late Joseph Frank Matthews, Sr. and Naomi Nordan Matthews.  He was also preceded in death by a son, David Debsel Matthews; and brothers, Leslie Avon Matthews and Joseph Frank Matthews, Jr.  Mr. Matthews was a 1950 graduate of Cleveland High School who recently celebrated their 64th class reunion. He was  a farmer and a member of St. Mary's Grove Original Free Will Baptist Church for over 58 years where he served as a deacon, choir director, Sunday School teacher and in many other capacities.  Mr. Matthews was a charter member of West Johnston Volunteer Fire Department where he served as the secretary and on the board of directors.  In his later years, he enjoyed walking in the Town of Benson in his overalls and socializing with family and friends at McDonald's in Benson.      Surviving are his wife of 59 years, Nadine Parker Matthews; daughters and sons-in-law, Dale M. and Keith Mangum & Veta M. and Otis Hamm, all of Angier; brother, Daniel Gray Matthews of Benson; daughter-in-law, Windy M. Matthews of Whitsett; grandchildren, Lee Ann Jones, Edith Medlin, Zachary Hamm, and Caleb Hamm; great grandchildren, Ashlyn Jones and Gabriel Medlin; and an expected great grandchild in September. The family will receive friends from 6:00PM-8:00PM Wednesday at Rose & Graham Funeral Home in Benson.