Hal F. Matthews

Mr. Hal Franklin Matthews, age 76, of Cedartown, passed away Saturday, July 13, 2019.

Hal was born in Rock Run, Alabama on August 26, 1942, son of the late Rev. Roy Matthews and Carrie Dempsey Matthews. He was a servant of God, family, country and community. He served our country during the Vietnam Conflict until he was wounded during combat. Hal also served our community by becoming one of the original founders of Blooming Grove Volunteer Fire Department of which he served faithfully for 37 years. He owned his own custom shop and was a proud cabinet maker for many years. After he retired, he was able to spend more time with his family, but more importantly he was able to spend more time with his grandchildren. Hal loved to hunt, fish, and spend time on the lake. No matter what your conversation was with Hal, he would always remind you of his Christian faith, give you a hug, and say, “I Love You”.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brothers, Paul and Muril Matthews and sister, Sandra Mauldin.

Hal is survived by his loving wife of 52 years, Catherine Welchel Matthews; children, Kim & Russell Reece and Frankie & Brooke Matthews; grandchildren, Nathan Reece, Jake & Hannah Grogan, Eason Reece, Carson Matthews and Jud Matthews; great granddaughter, Harlow Grogan; brothers, Roy Matthews and Arnold Matthews; sister, Nora Merritt and uncle, Weldon “Buck” Dempsey. Several nieces and nephews also survive.

The funeral service for Hal will be held Monday, July 15, 2019 at 2:00 PM in the chapel at the Smith & Miller Funeral Home with Rev. Charles “Chuck” Garner officiating. The Rockmart American Legion Post 12 Brown–Wright Honor Guard will present full military honors following the service. Interment will be held at a later date in the Georgia National Cemetery in Canton, Georgia.

The family has requested that flowers be omitted, and memorial contributions be made to Alzheimer’s Association in his memory.

Honorary pallbearers will include all of Polk County’s Public Safety personnel, care givers of Cedar Hill Assisted Living, and Amedisys Hospice.

The family will receive friends at Smith & Miller Funeral Home Sunday, July 14, 2019 from 6:00 PM until 8:00 PM.

The Smith & Miller Funeral Home of Cedartown is honored to serve the family of Mr. Hal Franklin Matthews.