Willard Franklin Matthews is in the loving arms of his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Willard went to be with his Lord on July 31, 2022 surrounded by his family, who loved him with all their hearts. Born July 30, 1937 in Raleigh, NC. He was predeceased by his father and mother, Robert Franklin Matthews and Eva Casey Matthews and a great-grandson, Waylon James Martin and a great-granddaughter, Hannah Faith Measel. Willard moved from North Carolina to Norfolk Virginia in 1957 and he soon met the love of his life Katie. He and Katie married in December 1958 and began raising a family in the early 60's and resided in the Chesapeake & Va Beach area for the past 63 years. He was a faithful member of New Song Fellowship Church. He had worked for Rental Uniforms, and later he retired from Pennzoil. Willard loved to meet and talk to people and he loved to spend time at his and Katie's place on the Currituck sound, where he and Katie welcomed family and friends and created memories that will stay with us forever. Most of all, Willard loved his family and loved to be surrounded by them as often as possible. Willard loved the Lord Jesus and would speak about Him to others. He will be missed by family and friends as Willard never met a stranger.

He leaves behind to cherish his memory his wife Katie, of more than 63 years; four children, Judy Terry (Dan), Darlene Martin (Michael), Wayne Matthews, Brian Matthews (Rebecca). He also leaves four grandchildren, Kimberly Clark, Kevin Martin (Sarah), Scott Martin and Justen Matthews as well as five great-grandchildren, Jaxson Measel, Austin Martin, Brett Martin, Wyatt Martin and Kinsley Martin. Along with his brother Casey Matthews (Billie) and his sister Joann Poole, he also leaves brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, cousins, nieces and nephews, each one so precious to him. The family would like to thank the Drs. and nurses in the Neuro ICU at Norfolk General Hospital for their care and compassion in his last days.

A Celebration of Life will be held Monday, August 8, 2022 at New Song Fellowship Church, 865 Woodstock Rd, Virginia Beach at 12:00PM. Burial will follow at Woodlawn Memorial Gardens in Norfolk at 3 p.m. Visitation will be Sunday, August 7, 2022 at Graham Funeral Home, 1112 Kempsville Rd, Chesapeake from 6-8 p.m. Please visit his Book of Memories at www.grahamfuneralhome.com where you may leave a note to the family. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the children’s ministry at New Song Fellowship Church.