Roswell Cornell Matthews

Roswell C. Matthews, 88, of James Island died October 25, 2014. R.C. was born in St. Petersburg, FL, the eldest son of Jeter and Grace Matthews. He volunteered to serve in the Navy Air Force during World War II. After the war, he graduated from the University of Miami with a degree in Business Administration and worked as an investor for Investor Diversified Services. In 1957, R.C. married his wife, Jean. They traveled extensively during their 57 years of marriage, camping their way across the United States, Canada, Mexico and Europe. In 1972, he moved his family to Alberta, Canada where they owned and operated a cattle ranch for twelve years. R.C. was an avid hunter and fisherman. He was a Patron Member of the National Rifle Association, a Life Member of the Sons of Confederate Veterans, and a Life Member of the James Island Yacht Club. He was a man of determination, who did not know the meaning of the word “can’t”. He loved a challenge and was a master at turning a bad situation into a good experience. He was a devoted family man who passed his sense of adventure on to his son, Stephen and his grandson, Evan. He was a great friend to many and willing to help at any opportunity. All who knew him will never forget him for his friendship and the many stories he had to tell of his life adventures R.C. is survived by his wife, Jean; son, Stephen Lee Matthews and grandson, Evan Lee Matthews of Cataldo, ID; brother, Frederick Matthews and wife Helen Claire of Miami, FL; sister-in-law, Suzanne Matthews of Beverly Hills, FL; brother-in-law, Paul Ashdown and wife Barbara of Knoxville, TN; and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents and his brother, Charles Matthews. Funeral service will be held Friday, October 31, 2014 at 11:00 am in Saint James Anglican Church, 1872 Camp Road, James Island. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends following the service in the church Ministry Center. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the National Rifle Association, 11250 Waples Mill Road, Fairfax, VA 22030, the Sons of Confederate Veterans at www.scv.org, or Roper St. Francis Foundation, 125 Doughty St., Suite 790, Charleston, SC 29403. Expressions of sympathy can be submitted or viewed online at www.mcalister-smith.com Arrangements entrusted to McAlister-Smith Funeral Home, James Island Chapel.

Reception:
St. James Anglican Church
1872 Camp Road
Charleston, SC

Immediately following burial in Church Ministry Center