Bishop Charles Matth

ews ADAIRSVILLE Bishop Charles H. Matthews Sr., 84, went home to be with the Lord on Wednesday, June 25, 2014. As an ordained minister with the Church of God (Cleveland, Tenn.), he served as a full-time missionary for eight years to two countries Barbados and Kiribati (Gilbert Islands). Also, Rev. Matthews pastored several churches in many states including Tennesse, South Carolina, Georgia, Alabama, Pennsylvania, Mississippi andVirgnia. He pastored the Mountain View Church of God in Bryant, Ala. from 1990-1995, where he retired from pastoring. For several years after that, he and his wife Eloise traveled to 38 different countries on short-term mission trips, lasting for months at a time. Most recently, he was a member of the Erwin Hill Church of God in Calhoun, Ga. He attended Bible Training School in Sevierville, Tenn., as well as Lee University in Cleveland, Tenn. He received his Masters degree in Theology from the Church of God Theological Seminary in Cleveland, Tenn. Besides traveling, Charles enjoyed golfing, fishing, and was a avid Atlanta Braves baseball fan. He was preceded in death by his parents John L. and Ruthie B. Matthews; two brothers, Mark and E. Jack Matthews; two sisters, Mary Mac Matthews and Earline Butler. Survivors include his loving wife of 64 years, Eloise Matthews; children Charles H. Matthews Jr. (Sandy Lima), Valerie Ruth Matthews Pearson (Steve), Paul Stephen Matthews (Marlana), Debbie Matthews Evans (Scott); six grandchildren, Skylar Pearson (Jacqueline), Josh Matthews (Tiffany) , Trent Pearson, Cameron Matthews, Lexie Evans, and Jensen Evans; one great-grandchild, Kelton Pearson; several nieces, nephews, and cousins; host of friends. Funeral services will be held 11 a.m. EDT today, June 27, at Mountain View Church of God with the Rev. Brad Bridges officiating. Burial will follow Saturday, June 28, in Hardens Chapel Cemetery in Lyons, Ga. Visitation will be held today from 10-11 a.m. EDT at the church. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Gilbert Islands Mission, c/o Church of God World Missions, P.O. Box 8016, Cleveland,TN 37320, Project # 065-0053. Please leave your memories and prayer at www.moorefuneralhometrenton.com. Arrangements by Moore Funeral Home, Bryant, Ala.