Rev. Woodrow Matthews

Rev. Woodrow Matthews, age 92, of Guin, Alabama passed away Friday, March 2, 2012, at the Northwest Regional Medical Center in Winfield, Alabama. Born March 4, 1919, in Mine LaMotte, Missouri, to the late Sebastain and Nellie (Edwards) Matthews. He was united in marriage to Blanche Huffman on October 28, 1939. He is survived by Two Sons, Garry (Joyce) Matthews of Kirksville, MO, David (Kathy) Matthews of Guin, AL, Three Grandchildren, Chad (Denise) Matthews of Kirksville, MO, Alisha Dove (Derrick Dove) of Sulligent, AL, and Ashley (Jeff) Babb of Guin, AL, Three Great-Grandchildren Bryar and Breanna Dove and Hunter Matthews; Nieces, Sylvia (Larry) Finch and Carol (Charlie) Belken and a host of other Nieces and Nephews. He was preceded in death by his Wife, Blanche, One Daughter, Judith, Four Brothers and Four Sisters. Bro. Matthews answered the call to preach in 1939 and was ordained in 1940. He pastored churches in Missouri and Oklahoma. In 1973, he moved to Guin, Alabama and pastored the Mt. Olive FWB Church until 1985. He then accepted the pastorate of Barnesville FWB Church in Hamilton, Alabama. In 1998 after 58 years of faithful service, he retired from active pastoring due to his and Sister Matthews’ failing health. Bro. Matthews was actively involved in the Missouri FWB State Association, serving on the state youth camp board for many years, the state general board, and moderator of the Missouri State FWB Association. While serving as pastor of the Mt. Olive FWB Church, he was involved in the development and construction of the Trinity Youth Camp, and served on the camp board for a number of years. He also served as moderator of the State Pastor and Workers Conference. Bro. Matthews was an active supporter of state and national programs, especially missions. Numerous pastors, pastors’ wives, home and foreign missionaries came from his churches throughout his years of ministry. Bro. Matthews was known and loved as a kind, caring pastor. His philosophy of ministry was: “If you genuinely love your people, your people will love you.” Bro. Matthews was an avid gardener and took great joy in sharing the fruits of his labors with others. Services held Monday, March 5, 2012 at 2:00 pm from the Norwood Funeral Home Chapel with burial in the Guin City Cemetery. Bro. Scott Stokes, Bro. Jeff Flemming and Bro. Mike Beckon officiating. Norwood Funeral Homes, Inc. of Guin, AL directing.