Ralph E. Mathews, age 66, of Conway, South Carolina, and a former resident of New Holland, passed away Thursday, March 29, 2012, at the Conway Medical Center in Conway, S.C. He was born October 19, 1945 in Waverly, Ohio, the son of the late Ralph F. “Alfred” Mathews and Mary Finley Woods Mathews.
Ralph was a veteran of the United States Army, having served during the Vietnam War. He was a retired captain and supervisor from the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Corrections. He was a member of the Masonic Lodge #0023 F&AM of Circleville, 32nd Degree Mason Valley of Columbus, the American Legion, the V.F.W. and the Am Vets, all in Circleville.
He is survived by his wife of 30 years, Pamela Adkins Mathews of Conway, S.C.; five daughters, Tracy Mathews (Ray Burchett) of Piketon, Tonya Mathews (Billy Oliver) of Piketon, Jennifer Watson (Frank) of Conway, S.C., Tiffany Blake of Conway, S.C. and Crystal Mathews (Anthony Moore) of Conway, S.C.; sisters, Sue Williams (Kenny) of Wellston and Elda Mae Parsons (William) of Wellston; brother, Fred Mathews of Wellston, as well as eight grandchildren, two great-grandchildren and several nieces, nephews and cousins.
Besides his parents, Ralph was preceded in death by his brother, Dewey Cline.
Calling hours will be Monday from 4 to 7 p.m. at the McWilliams Funeral Home in Wellston. Funeral services will be Tuesday at 11 a.m. at the McWilliams Funeral Home with Pastor Rob Ervin officiating. Burial, with military honors, will be in the Mount Latham Cemetery in Buchanan. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.mcwilliams-funeralhome.com.