Mr. Wesley Ransom Matthews, 81

WHISPERING PINES, NC Mr. Wesley Ransom Matthews, 81 of Whispering Pines and formerly of Stedman, passed away Thursday, October 8, 2015 at his home. He was born September 3, 1934 in Cumberland County to the late William “Roebud” and Murdie Jane Autry Matthews. He is preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Harold, David, Hubert, Curtis Matthews; and sister, Juanita Thompson. He was a graduate of Stedman High School where he loved playing basketball. After graduating, he enlisted in the US Army serving in Germany and was a Veteran of the Korean Conflict. He then worked at Fayetteville Optical Company and Valley Eye Clinic before becoming a Licensed Optician. He went on to own and operate Sandhills Optical Company of Aberdeen for many years. He then moved back to his hometown of Stedman where he was a member of Magnolia Baptist Church, serving on the Building and Grounds Committee, and the V.F.W. Post # 9925 of Stedman. He was a loyal friend and enjoyed serving others, but his main love was for his wife, children, grandchildren and extended family. He is survived by his wife, Bettye Matthews of the home; daughters, Lynette Clark and husband Mark of Pinehurst, Kelly Matthews of Charlotte; sisters, Jane Deeson and husband Jimmy of Lakeland, FL, Phyllis Naylor and husband Minsom of Godwin; grandchildren, Matthew Noonan, Benjamin Noonan, Garrett Clark; and great grandchildren, Isabelle and Henry Noonan. The family will receive friends 6:00 to 8:00 pm Saturday, October 10 at Butler Funeral Home, 401 W. Roseboro Street, Roseboro. The funeral service will be held 3:00 pm Sunday, October 11 at Magnolia Baptist Church, 1021 Magnolia Church Road, Stedman, with Reverend Jason Whitfield and Reverend Jerry Parsons officiating. Burial with military honors will follow in the church cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to First Health Hospice Foundation, 150 Applecross Road, Pinehurst, NC 28374. Services by Butler Funeral Home, 401 W. Roseboro Street, Roseboro.