2 Timothy 4:7 says, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” These words describe Richard well.  He was promoted to heaven on Thursday, May 30, 2024, after months of battling various health issues. He was surrounded by loved ones and his last few days on this earth were filled with Scripture and many cherished hymns!  Richard was known for his love for Jesus, his family, Brazil, and horses.

He was born in Maranguape, Brazil on November 28, 1935, to Carleton and Mary Adelaide Matthews. Richard loved growing up in Brazil and that is where his lifelong love of horses began. When he was 17, he realized he was a sinner, was in need of a savior, and received the free gift of salvation offered through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. Richard knew the Lord was calling him into ministry so he attended Columbia Bible College in South Carolina and then graduated from Grace Seminary in Winona Lake, IN in 1961.

On June 3, 1958, Richard married his sweetheart, Joyce McDonald Matthews. Together they faithfully served the Lord in many ministries - always striving to bring glory to God. Richard and Joyce served as missionaries in Natal, Brazil for 50 years.  During that time, God blessed their faithfulness and servant hearts.

Richard loved God’s Word and was passionate about teaching others the beauty found therein. He pastored for many years and started four churches. Richard was also a teacher and administrator at the Bible college Seminario Instituto Batista Bereano (SIBB).  He enjoyed teaching students and some of his favorite classes to teach were Greek and the book of Romans. His love for God's Word will continue to grow through the lives of those he pastored and taught.

Richard was preceded in death by his parents Carleton and Mary Adelaide, brother Carleton Jr., son-in-law Sonny, and great granddaughter Jocelyn, and is survived by his wife Joyce, sisters Elaine McCleary (Art) and Susie Milgate (Denny), many nieces and nephews, children Aileen, Carol (Stephen), Carla (Bob), and Rick; grandchildren Richard (Meredith), Jonathan (Adrianne), Stephanie (Michael), Alex (Megan), Pam, Kortni (Kevin), Wesley, Hannah (Jon), Joshua (Katie), and Frankie; and great grandchildren Sophie, Timothy, David, Lisa, Simon, Karson, Peter, Lillian, Mary Beth, and Madelyn.

Richard loved his family well and we are left with an example and legacy of what it means to faithfully serve the Lord and boldly proclaim the gospel!

Thank you for the kindness, prayers, and memories shared over the past few weeks!  A memorial service will be held on Saturday, July 20th at 11:00 am at Pleasant Grove Baptist Church in Rockingham, North Carolina. There will be a visitation at 10:00 am.  

The family suggests memorial contributions be made to Berean Baptist Seminary in Natal, Brazil.  Checks should be made out to ABWE and designated for Berean Baptist Seminary - 0131251-013.  ABWE’s mailing address is: ABWE P.O. Box 8585 Harrisburg, PA 17105.  Online gifts can be given here: https://give.abwe.org/worker/429 and designated for the seminary in the additional information box.