Johnny William Matthews Sr., 71, of LaGrange, Georgia, loving son, husband, father and pop passed away on Feb. 4, 2019, at home after fighting a lengthy illness. He was born on April 26, 1947, in Sandersville, Georgia, to Benjamin Richard Matthews and Katie Marie Howell Matthews.  He was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Benjamin Richard Matthews Jr.; and his sister, Mary Emma Matthews Steele. He is survived by his loving wife, Kathy Smith Matthews; his two sons, Johnny William Matthews, Jr. (Shelia) and Richard Trice Matthews; two grandchildren, Connor and Chloe Matthews; and several nieces and nephews. Mr. Matthews was a 1965 graduate of LaGrange High School. He had a long sales career with local companies including Colonial Mobile Homes, Firestone, Skinner’s Furniture and the Valley Rescue Mission.  He loved spending time with his grandchildren, hunting Indian artifacts, stamp collecting and Georgia Bulldogs Football. Visitation will be on Wednesday, Feb. 6, 2019, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Hunter-Allen Myhand. Funeral services will be Thursday, Feb. 7, 2019, at 2 p.m. from the Hunter-Allen-Myhand Funeral Home. Interment will follow in Manchester (Georgia) City Cemetery.    

Hunter-Allen-Myhand Funeral Home, 506 Hill Street, LaGrange, Georgia in charge of arrangements.