Matthew "Matt" Lee Thompkins

Matthew “Matt” Lee Thompkins, 90, of Lumberton passed away into the arms of Jesus, Saturday April 18, 2026 in Cape Fear Valley Medical Center.

Matt was born in Robeson County on August 27, 1935, son to the late Alvie Odell Thompkins Sr. and Mammie Caroline Ransom Thompkins.

Matt, an accomplished Piano Player, Song Writer, Arranger and Producer of many Southern Gospel songs and records started playing the Piano at a very early age. He would go on to help start the Wayfarers Quartet and then the Pioneer Quartet, which traveled all over the East Coast for many years. He was also the owner of the Town Barber Shop in Raeford where he cut hair until his retirement. Matt was also an accomplished story teller and prankster always thinking of what he was going to do next. Most of all, Matt knew where he was going as he gave his life to Christ many years ago and his song “Heaven’s Just a Heart Beat Away” reminds us of that. He was a faithful member of the First Baptist Church in Raeford for many years and after he moved to Lumberton, he became a member of Tabernacle Baptist Church. Matt will be greatly missed by family and friends but It’s not good bye Matt, we will see you soon.

Along with his parents, he is preceded in death by his first wife, Jean Thompkins, a sister, Estelle Thompkins, a brother, Alvie Odell Thompkins Jr. and a son, Terry Bridgeman.

He is survived by his wife, Joyce Ann Blackburn Thompkins of the home; sons, Jerry Thompkins of Lumberton, Glenn Thompkins and wife Cindy of Raeford, Anthony Bridgeman and wife Wanda of South Port and Mark Bridgeman and wife Dorcas of Lumberton; 10 grandchildren, Travis Thompkins, Paula Leggett (Brandon), Candace Lloyd (Michael), Brandon Sanders (Angel), Paul "AJ" Crittenden IV, Heather Ivey (Shane), Shannon Fowler (Bill), Lindsay Bridgeman, Connor Bridgeman (Kim), and Nathan Bridgeman, many great grandchildren and extended family members and friends.

A visitation will be 6:00 -8:00 PM Tuesday, April 21, 2026 at Tabernacle Baptist Church, 1695 E. Hardin Road, Lumberton, NC 28358.

Funeral Services will be 2:00 PM Wednesday, April 22, 2026 at Tabernacle Baptist Church with Pastors Tony Stevens and Terry Dooley officiating.

Burial will follow in Raeford City Cemetery, Raeford, NC.