John Theodore Matthews, affectionally known as “Thedo”, started his life’s journey when he was born to the late Wheler and Lottie Lucas Matthews on April 8, 1955 in Sumter, South Carolina. He departed this life on Wednesday, December 3, 2025 after a brief illness. He received his education through the public school system of Sumter County . He was a proud member of the Sumter High School Class of 1973 and, over recent years, was a very active member of the Alumni Planning Committee for all events associated with the class. He was extremely proud that he was able to contribute to the recent 50th class reunion celebration where he was able to appear on the local news to share his love of not only his high school but the Sumter community. After high school, he joined the United States Air Force where he was an Aircraft Structural Maintenance Craftsman. He retired as a sergeant, in 1999, after completing 20 years of service. He also served in the Air Reserve Unit at McEntire Joint National Guard. At an early age, John “Thedo” was converted, baptized and joined First Baptist Missionary Church in Sumter, where he was a very faithful and active member. He was appointed to the Trustee Ministry on June 22, 2008. He leaves a legacy of sweet memories to be cherish by his four daughters; eight grand children, and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. The family will receive relatives and friends at the Boone’s Residence, 401 Pine Knot Court, Lexington, SC 29073 from 4:00 -7:00 p. m., Friday, December 12th; Classmates and friends from 2:00 - 6:00 p. m., Saturday, December 13th, at The Main Event Center, 515 North Main Street, Sumter, and Public Viewing from 2:00 – 6:00 p. m., Sunday in the John Wesley Williams Sr. Memorial Chapel of Williams Funeral Home, Inc., 821 North Main Street, Sumter. Celebration of Life Services will be held 12:00 noon, Monday, December 15, 2025 at First Baptist Missionary Church, 219 South Washington Street, Sumter, with the Rev. George P. Windley, Jr., Pastor. Burial will follow in the Hillside Memorial Park, 2561 Cain's Mill Road, Sumter.
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