Ralph Alps Matthews

Bullock, NC (formerly of Dinwiddie, VA) Ralph Alps Matthews, husband of the late Beatrice “Ann” Matthews, passed away on Saturday, October 10, 2020 at the age of 81. He was born on February 11, 1939, in Sassafras Fork, NC, to late Herbert and Lessie Williamson Matthews. Ralph served in the United States Army Reserves from 1957 – 1960. He wore many hats as he was an arborist, plumber, farmer, truck driver and supervisor at Gates Concrete. Ralph could fix anything and was always willing to lend a hand to friends and family; singing and making jokes as he went about his day. Cherishing his memories are his son, John Matthews (Louisa) of Greensboro; daughters, Linda Surratt (Mac) of Oxford, Trina Matthews Ellis of Henderson, and Wendy Matthews of Bullock; sisters, Mary Edwards and Dorothy Little. Also surviving are his grandchildren, Sasha, Mandy, Ashley, Brandy, Laura, Deven, James, Jenny, Lauren-Juliette, Emily, Cheyenne, Demi and Katherine; great grandchildren, Kylie, Riley, Masen, Agnes, Amani, Esmae and Zayne.In addition to his wife and parents, Ralph was preceded in death by his children, Herbert “Carl” Matthews and Virginia Ann Link and siblings, Herbert Matthews, Jr., Eula Blanks, James “Whacky” Matthews, Robert Lee Matthews, and John “Buck” Matthews. Funeral services will be held at 12 pm on Saturday, October 17 in the chapel at Watkins Cooper Lyon Funeral Home, 703 Virginia Avenue, Clarksville, VA with burial to follow in the Royster Family Cemetery in Bullock. The Reverend Terry Howard will officiate the service. The family will receive friends from 6:30 – 8:30 on Friday, October 16 at the funeral home. Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.wclfh.com. Arrangements are by Watkins Cooper Lyon Funeral Home.