William Clarence "Bill" Matson

William Clarence 'Bill' Matson, age 66, passed away peacefully on July 1, 2026, after a courageous battle with cancer. He was born in Greensboro, North Carolina, to Randal Barnes Matson and Mary Alice (Johnson) Matson. One of four children, Bill grew up in a loving and nurturing home alongside his brothers, Randy Jr. and Ricky, and his younger sister, Mary Helen.

The Matson family experienced a tremendous loss when their beloved matriarch, Mary Alice, passed away from cancer on February 18, 1985. A few years later, Bill's father, Randy, met the charming and spirited Rowena Horne, who had also recently been widowed. They became fast friends while receiving care at Duke Medical Center in Durham, North Carolina. After seeking the blessing of Rowena's elderly mother and the approval of his adult children, Randy proposed to Rowena. Following their marriage and Randy's retirement from the U.S. Postal Service Bulk Mail Center in Greensboro, the couple relocated to Rowena's home in Polk County, North Carolina.

Bill spent his early years in Greensboro and graduated from Smith High School. In 1986, he met the love of his life, Brenda Lucas, through her sister, Bettie. Their friendship quickly blossomed into a lifelong love, and they were married on February 11, 1990, at St. John's United Methodist Church in Greensboro following Sunday morning worship services. Surrounded by family and close friends, they began a beautiful life together built on faith, devotion, and love.

On February 16, 1992, Bill and Brenda welcomed their son, William Randall ("Randy") Matson. Brenda's older children, Shannon and Lee, were thrilled to welcome a baby brother and complete their family.

A few years later, Bill's job relocated him closer to his parents in Polk County. The family began a new chapter in the beautiful foothills of Western North Carolina, moving through Rutherfordton, Tryon, Columbus, and eventually returning to Rutherfordton, where they would establish deep roots and create lasting memories.

As the years passed, their family continued to grow. Their children married and built families of their own—Shannon married Jason Joyce, Lee married Ashley Kiser, and Randy married Paige Matson. Bill and Brenda were blessed with six beloved grandchildren: Brooke, Evie, BlakeLeigh, Emmett, Bentley, and Jaylee. Their oldest granddaughter, Brooke, later married James Michaux, and together they welcomed two sons, Easton and Waylon, whom Bill adored.

Bill is also survived by his older brothers, Randy Matson Jr. and his wife, Mandy, and Ricky Matson; his younger sister, Mary Helen Dunlap and her husband, Wayne; Brenda's sisters, Irma Barrington and her husband, Roy, and Bettie West and her husband, Robert; as well as many beloved cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Bill found joy in life's simple pleasures. He loved piddling in the garage, receiving cards rather than gifts, completing Brenda's ever-growing list of projects—usually in his own way rather than hers—and spending time on motorcycle rides, even with one of his grandchildren riding along. He cherished attending church, serving the Lord, and teaching children about Jesus. Nothing brought him greater happiness than being surrounded by family. Whether attending ballgames, dance recitals, Scout activities, community festivals, or beach vacations, Bill was happiest when creating memories with those he loved.

As an Eagle Scout himself, Bill took great pride in watching their son Randy follow in his footsteps through Scouting. His grandchildren affectionately called him "Poppy," and from the very beginning, they considered him their favorite. They looked up to him as a role model, teacher, protector, and friend. The joy, laughter, and unconditional love he shared with them will forever remain among their family's most treasured memories.

For 27 years, Bill worked as a Maintenance Specialist for TimkenSteel Corporation in Columbus, North Carolina. He was known as a hardworking, dependable, and respected employee whose dedication never wavered. Demonstrating his commitment to personal growth, Bill earned his Associate of Arts degree from the University of Phoenix on June 13, 2015. As his health declined, Bill retired in the fall of 2024.

In November 2025, Bill and Brenda relocated to Kernersville, North Carolina, to be closer to family as they navigated Bill's terminal cancer diagnosis and Brenda's newly diagnosed heart health challenges. They often joked that their children had "kidnapped" them, relocating them closer to family so they could receive the care, support, and love they needed. Initially living with their son Lee and daughter-in-law Ashley, they later moved into a townhome after selling their beloved home in Rutherfordton.

They quickly grew to love their new home and community. Being closer to family provided comfort, convenience, and treasured opportunities to spend time together. Their children worked diligently to coordinate local healthcare providers and ensure continuity of care. The team at Novant Health Cancer Institute – Forsyth Medical Oncology played an instrumental role in supporting Bill during the final eight months of his life.

Following a scan in April 2026, Bill, his wife, and his medical team made the difficult decision to discontinue treatment. Despite receiving exceptional cancer care, further chemotherapy was no longer considered beneficial to his quality of life. Rather than continue aggressive treatment, Bill chose to focus on comfort, peace, and making the most of each day surrounded by those he loved.

One of the hardest parts of leaving Polk County was saying goodbye to their church family at West Point Baptist Church. Bill and Brenda joined the congregation in 1995 and faithfully served for three decades. Bill served as an usher, a deacon for five years, and a children's Sunday School teacher for ten years. He reluctantly stepped away from these responsibilities in 2025 as his health declined. He also served on the Missions Team and, together with Brenda, was an active member of the Carolina Faith Riders from 2009 to 2025. Their church family, especially Pastor Lance Scarlett Jr. and dear friends Ralph and Ginny Tallent, held a special place in their hearts.

Although cancer claimed Bill's earthly body, it never diminished his faith, strength, or love for those around him. He faced his journey with courage and peace, comforted by the assurance that he would one day be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. His greatest concern was for his beloved wife, Brenda, but he found peace knowing their children would continue to care for her and keep his memory alive for generations to come.

Bill's legacy of faith, kindness, humility, hard work, and unwavering devotion to family will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved him. Though he is gone from our sight, he will never be gone from our hearts.

A memorial service celebrating Bill's life will be held on Friday, July 10, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. at Hayworth-Miller Funeral Home & Crematory, 3950 Macy Grove Road, Kernersville, North Carolina 27284. Following the service, the family will welcome extended family and friends for a time of visitation and remembrance. Floral arrangements will be gratefully accepted and may be sent directly to the funeral home.

"Well done, good and faithful servant." — Matthew 25:23