Jay Dee Matthews

January 8, 1947 – October 11, 2021

Jay Dee was born January 8, 1947, in Burlington, and passed away October 11, 2021.

After his father passed away, Jay Dee decided to make Jesus Lord of his life. His friend and business partner, James Greer, had the privilege of baptizing him.

At 16 years of age, Jay Dee joined the Pro Rodeo Cowboys Association, was a Gold Card lifetime member and was also inducted into the LRCA Hall of Fame. Jay Dee participated in rodeos from Salinas, California, and all throughout the west, winning five circuit finals. Throughout his rodeo career, Jay Dee placed or won nearly every pro rodeo he rode in. Upon his semi-retirement from the rodeo circuit, Jay Dee served on the Board of Directors of the LRCA.

Following full retirement from the rodeo circuit, Jay Dee owned and operated his own extremely successful trucking company in Texas and Louisiana. Jay Dee found a place in Benton, Louisiana, for him and Noel to be closer to their children and, even more importantly, the lights of his life, his grandchildren. He was known for how great of a grandfather and friend he was.

Jay Dee was preceded in death by his parents, Howard “Bud” and Edna Charmin Matthews, and son, Richard Matthews. 

He is survived by his wife of 43 years, Noel Sanders Matthews; daughters, Jennifer Matthews, Jessica Matthews Williamson and husband Cliff, and Mary Pody and husband Stan; sisters, Susy Lile and husband Leland, and Eunice Weber; brothers, Jim Matthews, and Denny Matthews and wife Marie; along with his five grandchildren, Kinsey and Kaden Pody, Aubrey Matthews, and Ashton and Ariella Williamson.

Services to honor the life of Jay Dee Matthews were held October 14, 2021, officiated by his son-in-law, Pastor Stan Pody assisted by Pastor Sam Carr. Interment followed follow in Hill Crest Memorial Park. 

Arrangements were under the direction of Hill Crest Memorial Funeral Home.