Mr. Charles Franklin Matthews, 84, passed away Wednesday (December 21, 2022) at the Hospice House Satilla following an extended illness.

He was born in Tifton, GA to the late Charles Alfred Matthews and Jeanette "Jet" Rice Matthews.  He graduated from Berrien County High School in 1956 and attended Georgia Military College and Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College before graduating from Georgia Teachers College in Statesboro.  He was a member of Central Baptist Church in Waycross where he served as a Deacon. He was also a member of the Co-workers and Pals Sunday School Class.

After 34 years of employment, he retired as Epidemiologist from the State of Georgia Department of Public Health.  He was voted by his peers as Epidemiologist of the year in the late 1980's and was placed on the cover of Newsweek Magazine for his accomplishments during the AIDS crisis.

He was an avid hunter and fisherman who loved the outdoors.  He passed on his passion and experience to his children and grandchildren.  He also enjoyed gardening.  His coffee club was always competitive when it came to who grew the best vegetables.

He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Darla Harris Matthews of Waycross; a son, Mitch Matthews (Nicki) of Watkinsville, GA; a daughter, Sharman Dryden (Keith) of Columbus, GA; seven grandchildren, Hannah Dryden Grifenhagen (Benji), Conner Brooke Dryden (fiance Aubrey Binkley), Charli Brooks Matthews, Sydney Marie Matthews, Samantha Grace Matthews, Mary Katherine Matthews, and Rebecca Ann Matthews; one great grandchild on the way, Emma Laree Grifenhagen; a brother, William Wesley Matthews (Jean) of Greenville, SC; four nephews, Joel Matthews, Charles Wesley Matthews (Cindy), Steve Lucas (Kristi), Terry Lucas (Laurie); and a niece, Tami Carpenter.

A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Thursday (December 29, 2022) at Central Baptist Church.  A graveside service will be held at 3:00 p.m. Thursday at McMillan-Fletcher Cemetery in Alapaha, GA.  The family will begin receiving friends at the church on Thursday at 10:00 a.m.

In lieu of flowers the family requests donations made in his honor to the Central Baptist Church Capital Improvements Fund, 201 Ava St. Waycross, GA  31501 or Hospice Satilla, 808 Evergreen Way, Waycross, GA   31501.

Sympathy may be expressed by signing the online registry at www.musicfuneralhome.com