Mr. Oscar Howard Matthews, 79, husband of Mary Elizabeth “Libby” McAllister Matthews, passed away Wednesday, March 18, 2015, at McLeod Hospice House in Florence.

Mr. Matthews was born September 2, 1935, a son of the late Harley Matthews and Mamie Hudson Matthews. He graduated from Andrews High School and was a veteran of The National Guard. He worked for Milliken in Kingstree for 33 years and after retirement, he was an employee of the Kingstree Bi-Lo. Mr. Matthews was a member of Broad Swamp Pentecostal Holiness Church, where he was a longtime Sunday School Superintendent and served as a church deacon.  Howard was an avid sports fan who truly loved the Gamecocks and all Williamsburg Academy athletics. He was a member of the WA Booster Club and supported the Stallions at every home game until his illness. In his spare time, Howard loved spending time with his grandchildren, going fishing, and tending his garden.

In addition to his wife Libby, Mr. Matthews is survived by: his children, Donald “Pee Wee” (Shari) Matthews, Joey (Fran) Matthews, and Cathy (Randell) Thompson; grandchildren, Sarah Matthews, Mason Matthews, and Carter Matthews; sisters, Oddie Mae Belton, Eulila (Edwin) Brockington, and Lennie (Willis) Tisdale; a brother-in-law Billy (Jeanette) McAllister; 2 sisters-in-law, Rose Carraway and Deola Cumbie; and a special nephew Robert “Bob” Carraway, as well as many other special nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, Howard was preceded in death by 5 brothers and 3 sisters.

Funeral services will be 3 PM Saturday, March 21, 2015, at Broad Swamp Pentecostal Holiness Church, with burial in Smith Cemetery. The family will receive friends 6 to 8 PM Friday at Williamsburg Funeral Home. Memorials may be made to Broad Swamp Pentecostal Holiness Church, 836 Broad Swamp Road, Kingstree, SC 29556.