Thursday, February 6, 2020 8:13 am

Mr. William Gilmer Mathews, Sr.; age 81 of Rutherfordton, passed away Friday, January 24, 2020.

A native of Rutherford County, he was the son of the late Clyde Barry Mathews and Selma Brown Mathews Vess. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his wife, Betty Ruppe Mathews. William was a veteran of the U.S. Army having served with the 101^st Airborne.

Left to cherish his memories are his children William Mathews, Jr.; Sharon Fox (Ryan) and Karen Roberts (Larry); four grandchildren, one great grandchild.

Graveside services were held at Eternal Hills Memorial Park. Military Honors were provided by The Rutherford County Veterans Honor Guard.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Hospice of the Carolina Foothills, PO Box 336 Forest City NC 28043.

Crowe's Mortuary and Crematory is serving the family.