Willis “Matt” Earl Matthews Sr., 81, passed away on Tuesday, Dec. 6, 2016, at Passages Hospice in New Orleans.

He was born on Aug. 25, 1935, in Summit, Miss., to his parents, Tannie and Gladys (Brown) Matthews.

Willis graduated from Summit High School in Summit. He served in the United States Army with the 3rd Armored Division, as a Spec. 5 from 958 until 1964.

He retired in August of 1985 as a retail manager with T.G.&Y. Stores Co. in South Louisiana.

He was a former member of the Knights of Columbus, Ascension Of Our Lord Church in LaPlace, Brotherhood of Kennedy Springs Baptist Church in Magee, deacon at New Life Baptist Church and Old Vicksburg Baptist Church.

He is survived by a son, Willis “Matt” Earl Matthews Jr. and fiance Alicia DeSilvey; two daughters, Kelley Margarget Richard (James Jr.) and Laura Michelle Mehaffey (Mark); former wife, Marilyn Gail Helmke; brothers, Richard Burley Matthews (Georgia) and Ronnie Edward Matthews (Judy); sisters, Maida Lynn Wells and Gladys Ellen Johns (Willie); grandchildren, Gabrielle Matthews, Noelle Matthews, Elisabeth St. Pierre (Willie), James Richard, III (Bree), Kaitlyn Potts (Gary) and Blake Mehaffey (Jacquelyn); great-grandchildren, Willie Joseph St. Pierre, Jr. and Adelaide Mehaffey; many beloved nieces and nephews.

Along with his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Esther (James) Matthews; brother Benard Matthews; and sisters Dorris Adams and Evelyn Hodges.

Visitation will be held on Friday, Dec. 9 from 5 to 8 p.m. at Tutor Funeral Home in Magee, Miss.

Services are scheduled for Saturday, Dec. 10 at noon with Bro. David Allen and Bro. Chris Johns officiating. Interment will follow in the Kennedy Springs Baptist Church Cemetery in Magee.

Arrangements are entrusted with Tutor Funeral Home of Magee.

The Matthews family would like to extend a special thank you to the Sonny Montgomery VA Hospital and Passages Hospice.