Thomas "Butch" Rudolph Matthews, Jr.

Thomas “Butch” Rudolph Matthews, Jr., 78 of Bailey passed away Sunday, May 3, 2026. Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Wednesday, May 6, 2026, at Joyner’s Funeral Home, Wilson. Interment will follow with Military Rites in Bailey Town Cemetery, Bailey. Rev. Matt Roman will officiate.

The family will receive friends Tuesday evening, May 5, 2026, from 7 – 9 p.m. at Joyner’s Funeral Home, 4100 Raleigh Road Parkway, Wilson.

Butch was the owner and operator of multiple Red and White and Piggly Wiggly Grocery Stores across North Carolina. He lived life to the fullest, as an avid golfer and hunter. He was an Eagle Scout and served his country with honor and pride with the US Army. He valued family and God above everything, and he was always helping others with a humble heart.

Butch is survived by his loving wife of thirty-three years, Lisa Williams Matthews of the home; daughter, Angela M. Griffin of Rocky Mount; son, Billy Matthews of Wilmington; daughter-in-love, Stacy Matthews of Wilson; grandchildren, David Thomas Griffin and wife, Grace of Alachua, Florida, Hailey Ann Matthews and Alivia “Livvy” Joy Matthews both of Wilson; son-in-love, Matthew Roman and wife, Brittany of Wilson; brother, Alan Matthews and wife, Cindy of Rocky Mount and Sammy Matthews and wife, Lucy of Belhaven; mother-in-law, Betty Williams; sister-in-law, Penny Carroll; host of loving nieces and nephews, and his special caregivers, Sarah Farmer and Brenda Johnson.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Thomas “Billy” and Dorothy Matthews; father-in-law, William Gray Williams and brother-in-law, William Gray Williams, Jr.

Flowers are welcome or consider memorials in Butch’s memory to Five Points Community Church, 3861 Debnam Road, Zebulon, North Carolina 27597.

Condolences directed to Joyner’s Funeral Home and Crematory at www.joyners.net.