Rayner R. Matthews
April 26, 1949 – December 30, 2024

Rayner Ronald Matthews Sr., 75, of Roper, NC, passed away peacefully at his residence surrounded by his loving family on Monday, December 30, 2024.

Rayner was born in Baltimore, Maryland on April 26, 1949, to the late Joshua “Jack” Matthews and Alberta Washington Bowman. After the death of his father he was raised under the care of his mother and step father, James Bowman.

Growing up as one of the youngest children in a family of 9 children, Rayner was full of energy and curiosity.  As a child, chores were often skipped in exchange for free play in a variety of outdoor activities.  Rayner's first passion was football.  While attending Dunbar High School, he was awarded the Unsung Hero Award and was honored at a prestigious ceremony at Martin’s West in Maryland.  

Rayner was outstanding in his class as he graduated Summa Cum Laude and was awarded a full athletic scholarship to college.  His love for football continued, and he joined a Semi-Pro football team (Eagles).

Later, Rayner joined the United States Air Force in which he received an Honorable Discharge after a proud 4 years, 5 months, and 3 days of service. 

Rayner, more often known as “grandpa,” dedicated his life to his family, traveling the world, and rooting for the Baltimore Ravens.  He always made time for his family.  He could be found installing handlebars before a BMX event, running football routes with young men he mentored, or even bouncing from a basketball game to a track meet and back so that he was always available to cheer on his children.  After dedicating 30 years as an employee with General Electric (later Global Exchange Services) Rayner retired to experience the world.  Be it by plane, train, boat, or bike, he shared his humor and love in areas such as Alaska, Grand Cayman, Grand Turk, Germany, Scotland, Ireland, Great Britain, Mexico, Canada, and an assortment of American states.  He proudly wore purple and black for his support of not only the Ravens team but his love for the city of Baltimore.  Sometimes it seemed like he had Old Bay running through his veins.  

His family will remember the ways he reminded others to simply love.  They will remember his words of guidance and his smile. They will remember his favorite scripture that he kept on a business card in his wallet, 1 Corinthians 13: 4-7:

 

(4) Love is patient, love is kind, it is not envious. Love does not brag, it is not puffed up. (5) It is not rude, it is not self-serving, it is not easily angered or resentful. (6) It is not glad about injustice, but rejoices in the truth. (7) It bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.

 

Per his request, a celebration of life with friends and family will be held at a later date.

Surviving are four sons, Rayner Ronald Matthews of Riverside, CA, Darnerien Richard McCants (Roshunda) of Ashburn, VA, James Albert Matthews of Boston, Mass, David Joshua Matthews (Mylea) of Bossier, LA; one daughter, Darlene Reana Matthews of Herndon, Va; three grandchildren, Maya Matthews of Boston, Mass, KG Williams and Phoenix Williams both of Herndon, Va; his longtime companion, Charlene Ballard of Roper, NC; two brothers, James Matthews, Joshua Matthews (Sylvia); three sisters, Jacqueline M. Jones, twin sister Roslyn R. Jones (Calvin) and Reta M. Stewart all of Baltimore, MD and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by three sisters, Mary Turner, June Porter, and Gwendolyn Wiggins. He was preceded in death by brother Alexander Bowman, and brother in laws Thomas Jones, Alfonso Wiggins, Quentin Stewart, and Walter Turner.

Arrangements are by Bryan Funeral Service.