Ronnie Laverne Matthews

Ronnie Laverne Matthews, 68 of Littleton, North Carolina passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family on Sunday March 22, 2026. Ronnie was born on December 11, 1957, in Halifax County. He was preceded in death by his parents Charlie Jack Matthews and Myrtie Louise Spence and his brother Dennis Matthews.

He is survived by his brothers Charles Randolph Matthews (Alice), William Scott Matthews (Cindy), sister Debra Denise Griffin and step brother Michael Wayne Free (Jennifer), and his ex-wife who was still a close friend Kathy Matthews.

Ronnie was a lifelong resident of Halifax County, North Carolina. Born here, raised here, educated here, worked here, paid taxes here and now his life’s journey ended here.

He graduated with an associate degree from Halifax Community College in Electro-Mechanics.

The bulk of his working career was with W.R.Grace/Airmold 12 years and Kennemetal 29 years, both in Weldon, North Carolina.

His passing concludes a long hard-fought battle with cancer. He beat the odds of time.

Given 6-9 months to live, he made it to month 40. Cancer conquered his body but never his spirit, his fight, his grit, and his courage. His cancer battle was inspiration to those that loved him and those around him.

He loved simple country living. There was no other place in the world he wanted to be other than the country. The peaceful solitude which country life offered to him, in his little homestead on Aurelian Springs Road was his happy place. This quiet place was his refuge from a busy and sometimes chaotic world. He loved working out in shop, the music playing, peace with the world, working on projects. Sharing those wonderful moments with his beloved German Sheppard ZIVA of 12 years. His loyal faithful friend and canine.

He enjoyed many simple things of life. Such as the great fishing Roanoke Rapids and Lake Fisheries offered. There was nothing more special than an afternoon fishing trip and then the evening sunsets on the water. Over the years, he had fellowship with many locals, at establishments having spirited beverages, shooting pool, and playing darts. Kinda like that show on TV, a place where everybody knows your name.

Ronnie was not known to be a spiritual man, but it became real to him, God was giving him more, time waiting for him to make peace with him and he did. Ronnie testified to his brother that he was grateful for God’s grace and the grace of all those that served him, helped him, and prayed for him. We are reminded of the parable Jesus told of how the Sheppard left the 99 to find the 1. That 1, that lost sheep Ronnie was found.

The family will receive friends and visitors on Friday March 27, 2026, 6:00pm to 7:30pm at Hockaday Funeral & Cremation, there will be a funeral service on Saturday March 28, 2026, at 1:00pm in Hockaday Chapel with Pastor Wayne Marshall presiding, interment will follow in Cedarwood Cemetery.

Hockaday Funeral & Cremation Services is handling arrangements for the Matthews family. Family and friends may sign the online register by visiting www.hockadayfs.com.