Alex L. Matthews

ALEX L. "BUDDY" MATTHEWS FLORENCE, SC Alex L. "Buddy" Matthews, of Florence, 73, went to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on Monday, January 28, 2013, at a local healthcare facility. Mr. Matthews was born in Florence County, the son of the late Alec Matthews and Mary Isla Hewitt Matthews.He retired after over thirty years from Superior Machine Company. He was a member of Unity Baptist Church and was the church organist for thirty-two years.Buddy was well known and appreciated for his musical talents, having the privilege to play for funerals, weddings, and other events throughout the area for many families.He was an avid gardener, loved antiques and traveling. Mr. Matthews was preceded in death by his parents, a sister, Toni Hicks, a brother, Smiley Joe Matthews, and his beloved canine companion, Chico. Surviving are his loving wife of forty-one years, Mary Jean Coker Matthews; his sons, Chris (Jill) Matthews of Pamplico and Robbie (Veronica) Matthews of Florence; grandchildren, Alexa and Christopher of Pamplico, and Taylor and Hunter of Florence; and a number of nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 PM Thursday, January 31, 2013 at Unity Baptist Church.Burial will follow at Florence Memorial Gardens directed by Stoudenmire-Dowling Funeral Home. The family will receive friends from 6 – 8 PM Wednesday at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to Unity Baptist Church, 2990 South Pamplico Highway, Florence, SC29505 Please sign the guest registry for Mr. Matthews at the obituary section of www.stoudenmiredowling.com.