Samuel Matthews Jr.

Samuel Matthews Jr. was born February 28, 1950 to the late Sammy Matthews Sr. and Dolly Herndon Matthews in Philadelphia Pa. He went to be with the Lord Saturday evening, February 15, 2020.

Sam, attended the Philadelphia Public Schools and joined the U.S. Army Reserve. Sam was a “Jack of all trades – master of all.” Sam’s life journey he worked as an auto mechanic by trade. You needed to fix or buy a car, he was your guy. He was a Philadelphia Sanitation worker for 4 years. He worked at Consolidated Corporation as a machine operator. He also worked as a roofer and a machinist at Smurfit Stone Corporation for 7 years. Ultimately, trained and retired as a Master Plumber at age 55.

Sam loved the Lord. Sam was baptized at Bible Believing Baptist Church and later accepted the right hand of fellowship at Enon Tabernacle Baptist Church.

Sam loved to watch the movie Shaka Zulu, old cow boy and indian shows like Gun Smoke, action movies, Zombies, kid shows with his grandchildren (he even knew the characters names). He also loved oldies music. There wasn’t a song or artist he didn’t know. You could hear his music blocks away before he pulled up to park his car.

To all who knew Sam, he was a man who shared his wisdom whether wanted or needed. He walked and talked as a Shujaa (Warrior in Swahili). People listened to him. He was a dedicated leader. Sam had swag like no one else. He had a loud laugh that was contagious and heard far away. Family was everything to Sam. He was Pop to all who needed a dad. He was the special uncle and godfather. Whether it was being a protector, giving tough love, a hug, a place to stay, fixing your car or ride, he was your guy. You called him for plumbing, he was that guy and wouldn’t charge you. He was an amazing Pop-Pop. His grandchildren never needed for anything whether it was advice, tying your shoe, wiping your nose or just good conversation. He didn’t care, he was that guy. He was known in his grandchildren schools, attended games (although he didn’t care for sports), cheer competitions, banquets, parties, and school trips. Not only was Sam important to his family and friends, but his neighbors loved and respected him. Sam truly left a legacy.

Sam was preceded in death by his aunt Ruby Grady, brothers: Danny Matthews and Carl Matthews.

Sam leaves to cherish his memory: the love of his life wife Desiree, his sons: Edward (Dorothy), Sam III, Lamont and KiJuan, his daughters: Erika (Roger), Rochelle, Octavia, twelve grandchildren: DaQuan, Jabril, Charisma, Jaden, Mikaiah, Samir, Nathaniel, Benjamin, Madison, Raul, Tati, Tristan, his sister: Charlotte Allen-Burnley (Edward), brother: Dennis Matthews (Bridgette), mother in law Sarah Shannon, brother in law Ray Shannon, a host of extended children, nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, family and friends.