Valjean L. "Pig" Matthews

Valjean L. “Pig” Matthews, 89, of Prosperity, died Tuesday, March 28, 2023, at his home.

Born on October 19, 1933, in Saluda County, he was a son of the late Otis Ashmore and Annie Christine Bladon Matthews.  He was a member of St. Mark’s Lutheran Church since his marriage on September 5, 1954.  Mr. Matthews served two years in the South Carolina National Guard and retired after 30 years as a motor grader operator with Satterfield Construction Company.  He was a member of the Saluda Masonic Lodge #103 AFM for 62 years where he had served as District Deputy for two years.

He enjoyed riding motorcycles, especially his Gold Wing, with his little bride well into his 70’s.

He as well enjoyed spending time with his entire family at their beloved Lake Murray where they all enjoyed swimming, skiing, fishing and family cookouts.  Mr. Matthews loved to crappy fish in Lake Murray and always kept his favorite fishing spots a secret.

After retiring he kept up with all of the current events at his favorite morning coffee hub, Big Man’s.

Mr. Matthews is survived by his loving wife of 68 ½ years, Barbara Hendrix Matthews; his children, Wanda (Bobby) Taylor of Prosperity, Anthony (Sebrena) Matthews of Prosperity and Donna Eichstaedt of Lexington; grandchildren, Brandon (Elyse) Koon, Brian Koon, Lesley Taylor (Marcus Loner), Meagan Walker, Mallory (Teal) O’Dell and Emily Eichstaedt; great-grandchildren, Halle Koon, Hayden Koon, Dalton Koon, Wyatt Koon, Zayne Loner, Dawson Loner, Bear O’Dell, and Abbi O’Dell.  He is also survived by Lindsay Koon Stoudemire and Hayes Stoudemire as well as numerous nieces, nephews and extended family and friends and his ferocious cat, Skippy.

Mr. Matthews was predeceased by brothers,  Landrum Matthews, Garrett Matthews and Durhal Lee Matthews and a grandson-in-law, Kenneth Walker.

Funeral services will be held at 1:00 pm Friday, March 31, 2023, at St. Mark’s Lutheran Church by the Pastor Kevin Olgilvie.  Burial with Masonic Rites will follow in the church cemetery.  The family will be at his residence where they will receive friends and they will also receive friends following the service at the church.  Memorials may be made made to St. Mark’s Lutheran Church, 255 St. Mark’s Church Road, Leesville, SC 29070 or to the Saluda Masonic Lodge, 170 N.P. Riser Road, Leesville, SC 29070.

Active pallbearers will be Brandon Koon, Brian Koon, Clark Matthews, Lewis Williams, Teal O’Dell and Russell Hendrix.

Honorary pallbearers will be any Masons in attendance.

The family would like to extend special thanks to Dr. Oscar Lovelace and his staff and the staff of Crescent Hospice and Glenda’s Care for their loving care.