Cecil L. Matthews, Sr.

Born March 22, 1939 in Effingham, SC to the late Rev. William McKinley Matthews and Minkey Lucille (Broach). Cecil at 86 passed away peacefully on Thursday, November 20th, 2025 in Charleston, SC.

Surviving are his two girls, Betty Joyce (Gorman) Hamilton of Weirsdale, FL and Mary Theresa Derrick (aka Terri) of North Augusta, SC from the late Mary Magdalene Cribb. A son, Cecil L Matthews, Jr. of Effingham from the late Lynda Strickland, and a stepdaughter, Esther Whitney of Sylvania, GA from the late Shirley Bridges. He has 4 grandchildren, Chryston, Brandon, Ashley and Courtney, and 6 great grandchildren, Haileigh, Chloe, Paighten, Abigail, Brooke, and Clarrisa along with many other family members. Cecil was the 10th child out of 12. Only one, a loving brother, survives him, Wesley Levonne (Joann) of Florence, SC.

In High School (at Bonair HS), Cecil drove the school bus picking up students. He worked for Brown Memorials here in Florence but moved to FL in 1969 and worked for and retired from Hav-a-Tampa Cigar as a machinist. After retirement, he piddled around with several other jobs until moving back home to SC. Cecil struggled with back pain from a crooked spine, but that didn't stop him from being active. He had Rheumatic Fever when he was around 6yrs old which also left him with a short leg whereby he was to wear a built up shoe. Above all, he was loved by many. His quirky and funny ways being so silly, laughing and joking around. It surely ran in the Matthews Family, all those happy and kidding ways came from his mother. Cecil loved and listened to his Jimmy Swaggert and Gaither music daily. He loved the Lord as he should. He wished all his family to be saved.

The family wants to thank all his nurses and especially Chaplin Andrea who laid hands on him, beautifully sang, and prayed over him, and quoted Bible verses to him. She was truly an angel sent from above.

Cecil will be cremated by Calcutt-Dowling Funeral Home in Florence. A church led Celebration of Life will be held at 3:00 pm Saturday, December 13, 2025 at First Pentecostal Baptist Church, 2008 W. John Paul Jones Road, Effingham, SC  29541.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to the First Pentecostal Baptist Church in Effingham, SC where he was a member.