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 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.  To honor the memory of R.D., memorial contributions may be made to the Benevolence Fund of the First Baptist Church of Ahoskie.