Coyt Wendell Matthews

Gastonia - Coyt Wendell Matthews, 89, passed away on May 28, 2022 in Kings Mountain, NC. 

He was born on March 31, 1933 in Gastonia to Charlie and Rosetta Moore Matthews.  He is predeceased by his parents and his brother, Bobby Matthews and his son, Donald Matthews. 

Coyt spent 4 years in the US Air Force as a Firefighter and after leaving service joined the City of Gastonia as a Firefighter for 26 years.  He was also a co-owner of a Crate Late Model Dirt Track Racecar.  Coyt was a member of the Gastonia Mason Lodge #369 and just received his 60-year Diamond Jubilee Certificate as a Master Mason.   He was a member of Zion Baptist Church. He enjoyed deer hunting and deep-sea fishing. Coyt was also known as “Toolman” for his selling of tools.

Coyt is survived by his loving wife of 68 years, Patricia Jordan Matthews and their sons Steve Matthews and wife Renee, Greg Matthews and wife Mary Ann, their daughters Kim Guthrie and husband George and Debbie Shires and husband Gene.  He is survived by his grandchildren Dustin Matthews and wife Stephanie, Casey Guthrie and wife Katie, Shane Guthrie, Angela Simons and husband Blake, Elizabeth Tuper, Jessie Wallace and husband Eric, Amy Ryley and her husband Nick, Hunter Shires, Matt Shires and wife Sharon, and Kyle Jones and wife Kristen.  He is also survived by 16 great grandchildren; Sophie Guthrie, Ashlynn Wallace, Cohen Matthews, Austin and Colton Jones, Zander, Payton and Finnley Simons, Douglas and Thomas Matthews, Kaeden Tuper, Chloe and Caylee Matthews, Aaron and Jakob Ryley and Kadence Shires.

Mr. Matthews will have a fire fighter service.

The family will receive friends from 1:00 until 2:00 p.m., Wednesday, June 1, 2022 at Withers & Whisenant Funeral Home with full Fireman honor guard. A Celebration of Life service will follow at 2:00 p.m., Wednesday in the Chapel with Reverend Leo Kuykendall officiating. Interment will follow at Gaston Memorial Park, Masonic section, with full Fireman honors.

Condolences may be made to www.withersandwhisenantfuneral.com

Withers and Whisenant Funeral Home and Cremation Service, 2916 Union Road, Gastonia 704-864-5144 is serving the Family.