William Dale Matthews

William Dale Matthews, 83, of Fayetteville, passed away Thursday, May 21, 2026, at Valley Hospice House in Fayetteville, North Carolina.

Dale was born in Sampson County, North Carolina, on October 24, 1942, to the late William Garland Matthews and Ara Ana Barnes Matthews, and soon moved to Fayetteville, where he spent the remainder of his life. He began his career delivering milk for Sycamore Dairy, later working for Kelly Springfield, where he retired as a Component Checker after many years of dedicated service.

Dale was a quiet man, but when he had something to say, it mattered. He was a hard worker who took pride in everything he did. When he was able, he could often be found in his building working on projects. He kept to himself in many ways but stayed busy fixing things, building, and working with his hands. He enjoyed yardwork, woodworking, and carpentry, and had a particular gift for refinishing and repurposing furniture. He took pride in designing and building pieces for his home and family. In recent years, his mobility declined, but his quiet nature and steady presence remained familiar to those who loved him. Though reserved, Dale also had a playful side that showed, especially with those closest to him.

He cherished traveling with his family and faithfully served for many years, along with his wife, as a chaperone for church youth choir tours, where he was known as a dependable driver everyone could count on.

One of his greatest joys in the past year was time spent with his great-grandson, Kayden. Kayden’s mother, Melanie, came to help care for her granddaddy, allowing Kayden to spend time with him regularly. They shared a special bond and enjoyed time together that brought them both joy.

Most of all, Dale loved his family and will be greatly missed.

Along with his parents, he was preceded in death by his father- and mother-in-law, Robert and Lanie Wages; his sister, Minerva Beasley, and her husband, Scott; his son-in-law, Rick Roller; and his beloved cat, Duchess.

He is survived by his wife, Robbie Matthews; sons, Kevin Matthews and wife Sam of Fayetteville and Robert Matthews and wife Sharon of Raeford; daughters, Kristen Roller and Gretchen Roser, both of Fayetteville; and his siblings, Lynette Parker and husband Bobby and Kenny Matthews and wife Libby, also of Fayetteville. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren who brought him great joy.

Services will be held at a later date.

Arrangements for the family are entrusted to LaFayette Funeral Home of Fayetteville. Online condolences may be made at www.lafayettefh.com