Ira Eugene “Gene” Matthews

May 10, 2016 As dawn broke Monday morning, May 9, 2016, the Lord said "My Son, you have fought the good fight, you have suffered enough, come be with me". Ira Eugene "Gene" Matthews left this world at the home of his daughter and son-in-law in Beaufort, South Carolina, surrounded by his wife and children. Gene was born on January 16, 1939 to the late Ira Eugene and Irene Moss Matthews. He was proud to be called a Monarch boy. He graduated from Union High School in 1957. He loved his classmates and enjoyed attending every reunion and get- together possible to keep up with his old friends. He played many sports in high school but especially loved playing football. Gene was selected Most Outstanding Lineman of 1956 and was voted the most athletic male of his senior class. After high school, he attended Clemson University and always remained an enthusiastic Clemson Tiger. He began his career as a computer programmer, then traveled setting up computer systems for large companies and later became a computer systems analyst. He retired in 2005 from United Insurance. On December 7, 1968, he married Carolyn Kirby at Unity United Methodist Church where he continued to be a member, sang in the choir and served on various committees. In 2006, he was honored to be chosen Father of the Year. Carolyn and Gene had a good life together. They especially enjoyed dancing and belonged to the Union Dinner and Dance Club for many years, where he served as a past president. He treasured the many friendships made in the club. He was a very loving son and started fishing with his Dad at the age of four. This continued until his Father was in his eighties and could no longer go. After his Mother's death, he cared for his Father and was at his house every day checking on him. He was a member and past president of the Civitan Club where he made many lifelong friends. Gene loved and was proud of his son David, his daughter Kelley and her husband Jason. All three helped their Mother take care of him in the last several years. His three granddaughters Haley Grace, Ella Catherine, and Kylie Elizabeth were the joy of his life. Better than any medicine, they entertained him with singing and dancing, easing the pain when he could no longer get out of bed. He was thrilled to be their "best Papa ever". Also surviving are nieces, Dawn Medlock and husband Keith of Inman, Deana Gregory of Greenville, Kathy Giles and husband Winston of Ballentine, and Linda Fidler and husband David of Lexington; nephews, Ricky Matthews and wife Denise of Union, and Dennis McMakin of Atlanta; sisters-in-law Mary McMakin of Augusta, Grace Kirby of Lexington and Carole Ivey of Union. Gene was predeceased by his brother, Kenneth Matthews. The family will receive friends from 6:00 until 7:30 PM Thursday evening at the S.R. Holcombe Funeral Home. Services will be conducted at 3:00 PM Friday at Unity United Methodist Church, 206 Hart St., by Rev. George Thomas and Rev. Dr. Jim Ivey. Burial will follow at Rosemont Cemetery. Active pallbearers will be Ricky Matthews, Mike Moss, Randy Blackston, Carl Eison, Dennis McMakin and James McMakin The following are ask to be honorary escorts, Freddie McAbee, Judy and Joe Waddell, Linda and Bruce Parker, Linda and Gordan Roberson, Naida and John Shields, Dr. Allan and Mimi Charles, Marlene Proctor, Nancy and Barry O'Dell. Union High School classmates are asked to sit together. Following the burial, friends are invited to visit with the family at the home of Naida and John Shields at 111 Sunset Drive, Union, SC. The family would like to thank the staff of Gentiva Home Health and especially Nikki or as Gene called her "my wonderful nurse", and Dr. Eric Nelson and his staff for their excellent care the past three years. The family is at the home, 189 Fairway Dr. Union, SC. Memorials made be made to Unity United Methodist Church, 206 Hart St., Union SC 29379; Epworth Children's Home, 2900 Millwood Ave., Columbia, SC 29205; or Union County Relay for Life, attn: Beth Lancaster, 800 S. Pinckney St., Union, SC.