Fred “Wayne” Matthews, 82, of Tifton passed away at Legacy Village of Tifton on Friday, June 5, 2026, surrounded by his loving family. A funeral service will be held for Mr. Matthews on Monday, June 8, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at First Baptist Church of Tifton with Rev. TJ Mauldin officiating and a eulogy given by Craig Matthews. Dan Matthews will give a graveside eulogy at Oak Ridge Cemetery where Mr. Matthews will be laid to rest following the service. A visitation will be held in the sanctuary of First Baptist Church from 9:30 to 10:30 am, where the family will accept friends and guests.
Pallbearers are Jared Matthews, Zach Matthews, Tucker Matthews, Grant Matthews, Austin Hendley, and Barry Rewis.
The Kurios Christos Sunday School Class and Prayer Warriors of First Baptist Church will serve as honorary pallbearers.
Born on November 17, 1943, to the late Fred Alonza Matthews and Clara Giddens Matthews, Mr. Matthews was a Tifton native, graduating from Tifton High School. He later received his bachelor’s degree from Valdosta State College. Mr. Matthews valiantly served in the U.S. Army for three years and was a proud Vietnam veteran. His sense of patriotism is one which lives on through his sons and family. After returning home, Mr. Matthews cofounded and managed Four Star Tractor Company alongside his father for over a decade. He later started Matthews’ Trophy and Screen Printing, building a respectful local business that reflected his strong work ethic and commitment to serving others. Mr. Matthews loved and served the Lord with all his heart. He was a Lifetime Deacon of First Baptist Church where his family’s membership spanned seven generations, and was a member of American Legion Post 21 for over 50 years.
Mr. Matthews is survived by the love of his life, Mrs. Sandra Tucker Matthews. Together, they built a beautiful family, raising two sons: Dan Matthews and his wife Julie, and Craig Matthews and his wife Joy. Additionally, Mr. Matthews’ legacy carries on through five grandchildren: Jared Matthews and his wife Krystin, Zach Matthews and his wife Jade, Tucker Matthews and his wife Kallie, Samantha Matthews Hendley and her husband Austin, and Grant Matthews. Mr. Matthews was blessed to know his five great-grandchildren: Parker Matthews, Sloane Matthews, Graham Matthews, Jack Hendley, Tatum Matthews, and soon to arrive Cooper Matthews.
Flowers will be accepted by the family or memorial donations may be made to the Deacon’s Benevolence Fund at First Baptist Church, 404 Love Avenue, Tifton, GA 31794.