Jack Matheny

Jack Thomas Matheny, age 89 of Forest City, transitioned to his heavenly home on Tuesday, October 22, 2019 to join other beloved family members.  Jack was the oldest of five children born to John Lester and Lottie Cox Matheny, on April 18, 1930 on the family farm in the west end of Forest City.

Jack was preceded in death by his loving wife of 68 years, Ruby Cole Matheny as well as his parents, a brother Glenn Matheny, a sister, Irene Hamrick, and infant son, Bruce Wayne Matheny.

Jack received the Lord Jesus Christ at a very young age, growing up at Pleasant Grove United Methodist Church and later Florence Baptist Church. He was a member of Crestview Baptist Church where he served in numerous positions including Deacon and Sunday School teacher over the past 50 years. 

Jack attended Forest City Elementary School and Cool Springs High School.  His working career began in his teens at the Dutch Grill, the New Grape Bottling Plant, Grose Peach Orchard, Coca Cola Bottling Company and Sealtest Milk Company where he retired.  He then went on to work for AGI where he retired a second time.

He wanted to join the Army at the age of 16 but his father would not give permission.  At the age of 18 he joined the Army National Guard and retired as Sergeant First Class, after 27 years service.   He became fascinated with airplanes at the age of 9 years old.  By the time he was twenty, he had a private pilot's license and purchased a plane with partner, O. A. Fish.  During the next forty years, he taught young pilots to fly and flew many friends to vacation spots.

He was a Captain in the Civil Air Patrol and taught many young cadets.  They would search for lost and crashed planes as well as other duties.

 Survivors include three sons,  Marlin Matheny and fiancée, Shannon, Dennis Matheny and wife Gale, and David Matheny all of Forest City, two sisters, Mozelle Wilson and Faye Nichols both of Forest City;  five grandchildren, Amy Camp and husband Jason of Rutherfordton, Natasha Michaels and husband Ray of Arden, Jason Matheny and wife Melanie of Ellenboro, Johnathan Matheny of Rutherfordton, and Jordan Matheny of Michigan,  six great-grandchildren, Grace and Lily Camp, Carly and Eric Michaels, and Megan and Tyler Matheny.

The funeral service will be held at 2 o'clock Friday, October 25, 2019 at Crestview Baptist Church with Reverend Kevin Rohm officiating.  Interment with military honors will follow in the Pleasant Grove United Methodist Church Cemetery.  Visitation will be in the sanctuary of Crestview Baptist Church on Thursday evening from 5:30 until 8 o'clock.

Memorials may be made to Crestview Baptist Church Building Fund, 630 South Church Street, Forest City, NC 28043 or Hospice of the Carolina Foothills, Post Office Box 336, Forest City, NC 28043.

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

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.