John V. Matthews, Jr.

Mr. John V. Matthews, Jr., aged 86, of Garland, NC, passed away peacefully at his residence on November 9, 2025.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 67 years, Annie Lou Carter Matthews; his son, John V. Matthews III, and his daughter-in-law, Vanessa; his daughter, Cindy Mendelsohn, and her husband, Seth, as well as grandchildren, Maddie Mendelsohn, Barry Matthews and partner Kristie Couser, granddaughter Jessica Yankowski and her husband John and great grandchildren Charlie and Lily Yankowski. He is also survived by his brother Gerald Matthews and his wife Sharon.

John worked for 37 years at the Norfolk Naval Shipyard, where he served in various roles in the Engineering Dept.

John was a proud mason, serving lodges in Virginia and North Carolina and enjoying the fellowship of his brethren for over 60 years.

Along with his family, John hosted the Old School Sorghum Festival for 25 years, focused on honoring and preserving traditional agriculture in Sampson County. This well-loved annual community event provided education and entertainment for young and old alike.

John was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother and uncle.  He was dearly loved and and will be missed.

A graveside service will be held in his honor on November 11, 2025, at 2:00 PM at the Carter Cemetery, located at 10881 Old Mintz Hwy., Garland, NC, with Masonic rights.