Bill Matheny, age 88 of Forest City died Monday, January 26, 2026, at Fairhaven of Forest City.  Bill was born on October 7, 1937, in Rutherford County and was a son of the late Earl and Bessie Smith Matheny.

Bill worked for Sealtest Milk for 28 years and then for American Greetings, Inc. where he retired after 22 years.  He also served in the North Carolina Army National Guard.  Bill was a lifelong member of Smith Grove Baptist Church where he served as Sunday School Director, Sunday School Teacher, Deacon, Choir Member and RA Leader.  He loved his Lord, his family, and his church.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brothers, Jay Matheny, twin Bobby Matheny, and Grover Matheny, his sisters, Blanche Matheny, Ann Mathis, and Eunice Medford, and his daughter-in-law, Rose Matheny.

He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Helen Green Matheny of the home, his son, Bob Matheny (Darlene) of Bostic, his daughter, Sheila Womack (Terry), of Forest City, his grandsons, Mason Womack of Mooresville, NC and Trent Matheny of Concord, NC.  He always called them “Paw’s Fellers.” A granddaughter, Amber Shires, great-granddaughter, Emmy Morrow both of Ellenboro and a number of nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held at 11 o’clock Friday, January 30, 2026, at Smith Grove Baptist Church with the Reverend Terry White officiating.  Interment will follow in the church cemetery.  Visitation is from 5 until 7 o’clock on Thursday evening at The Padgett and King Mortuary.

Memorials may be made to Smith Grove Baptist Church, PO Box 1195, Forest City, NC 28043. 

The family wishes to thank Rutherford Regional ER Department, ICU, and 2nd floor, and a very special thanks to Fairhaven of Forest City for showing compassion and care to our Daddy and family during his final days.

The Padgett and King Mortuary and Crematory is in charge of arrangements and an online guest registry is available at www.padgettking.com