Dr. Ned L. Mathews

Dr. Ned Mathews, 87, of Youngsville, NC died October 16, 2021, surrounded by his loving family at home. He was born April 29, 1934, in Tarboro to the late Aubrey and Sallie Mathews.

Dr. Mathews earned an AA from Bluefield College, a BS in English from East Tennessee State University, a Master of Divinity from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary, a Master of Theology, and a Doctorate of Theology from the University of South Africa.

He was a pastor for over 60 years. His longtime pastorates after seminary include Cresset Baptist, 16 years, Durham, NC, and Parkwood Baptist, Gastonia, NC, 19 years. After retiring from Parkwood he taught at Southeastern Baptist Seminary for 10 years while continuing to preach and serve at 10 different churches as interim pastor. He held the title of Emeritus Professor at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary, Wake Forest, and Emeritus Pastor of Cresset Baptist, Durham and Parkwood Baptist, Gastonia where a ministerial scholarship was established in his name. Other honors include National Alumnus of the Year, 1998 and President, National Alumni Association, Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary.

As well as preaching, Dr. Mathews had many church-related experiences-Revival and Conference speaker-; President of Pastor’s Conference, Yates Association and NC Baptist State Convention; Vice-Chair of Mission Study Committee, NC State Convention, Vice President of the Pastor’s Conference, NC Baptist State Convention; Vice President of the Pastor’s Conference, Southern Baptist Convention, Trustee Baptist Sunday School Board (now Lifeway) Trustee and Chairman of the Board Southeastern Seminary, Member of the Special Study Committee of Theological Education, SBC, Founder of Cresset Christian Academy, Durham, NC. He authored a book- ”More Than Expected, A Pastor’s Journey” and was the general editor of “Text Driven Preaching".

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, Johnny Mathews, a sister, Jane Ross, and a sister, Carol Kelvington.

Survivors include his wife of 62 years, Shelby Davis Mathews, Daughters, Alisa Bentley and husband, Kevin of Raleigh and Melinda Dilworth, and husband, Ron of Gastonia. Grandchildren Allison Creagh (Jimmy), Mark Bentley, (Jamie), Luke Bentley (Madi), Matthew Robinson (Danna), Cole Dilworth, and Trent Dilworth, Great Grandchildren, LIly, Paxton, Elle Rose, Sophia.

After a private family burial at the Southeastern Seminary Cemetery, a public celebration service will be held at 3:00 pm, Thursday, October 21st, 2021 at Bay Leaf Baptist Church, 12200 Bayleaf Church Road, Raleigh, NC. The family will receive friends following the service in the church fellowship hall.

A recording of the service can be viewed at the following link. 
https://vimeo.com/637891342

Ned enjoyed bike riding and walking and especially going to the family cabin in Black Mountain. He called it Heaven on Earth. His true passion was preaching the Word of God and his life demonstrated what he preached. He finished well.

Today he is enjoying the real Heaven with his Lord and Savior. He leaves a huge hole in the lives of his family who adored him.

The family would like to thank the wonderful doctors at UNC-Chapel Hill who provided excellent care and Transitions LifeCare Hospice for their compassion and service during the last month.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to the Ned Mathews Scholarship Fund Parkwood Baptist Church, 1827 Dixon Road, Gastonia, NC 28056.

The family would like to share two beautiful articles that show the impact Dr. Matthews had on others.

Biblical Recorder
https://www.brnow.org/news/n-c-pastor-conservative-resurgence-leader-ned-mathews-dies-at-87/?fbclid=IwAR1HtSFz4WluwQ-lsZA0c-7saIpKAGm5JqGHnZIxtxeZsrMLtUWkjz0bwmE

Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary
https://www.sebts.edu/news-and-events/headlines/2021/10/fa21_ned_matthews.aspx
 

A service of Clancy Strickland Wheeler Funeral Home and Cremation Service, 1051 Durham Road, Wake Forest, NC 27587. 919-556-7400

www.cswfuneralhome.com