R.D. was born in Bertie County on October 18, 1931, a son of the late Roy Allen and Mary Bunch Matthews. He graduated from Mars Hill High School and enlisted in the US Army obtaining the rank of Staff Sergeant before leaving the Army.

R.D. worked as a salesman for N.S. Godwin and later became the first Insurance Representative for State Farm Insurance in Ahoskie, serving the community for 30 years.  He was on the Board of Directors for the Ahoskie Rural Fire Department and the Board of Adjustments for the Town of Ahoskie.  After his retirement he enjoyed being with his family, playing golf and most especially volunteering at Creekside Care and Rehabilitation Center in Ahoskie, twice receiving the Governor's Volunteer Award for Hertford County.  Community Health Care and Hospice is a group of tremendous individuals that bring comfort to a person and their family.  Please show the Matthew's family your support for R.D. with a loving donation to the Community Health Care and Hospice That was there for them in their time of need.