WILSON, N.C. — James "Jim" Lloyd Matthews, a longtime tire industry veteran, died Aug. 19. He was 79.
Matthews started his career in the tire industry at Interstate Tire Co. in 1970. He joined Merchant's Tire in 1985 and by 2000 had advanced to president of Merchant's American Tire Distributor Inc's wholesale business when it was acquired by Heafner Tire Group.
Matthews retired from ATD in 2011.
According to his obituary, Matthews was a world traveler and avid collector of baseball cards. He enjoyed playing his guitar and golf, as well spending time with family and friends. He was a deacon at First Baptist Church of Wilson.
He is survived by his wife, Joan S. Matthews; daughter, Jennifer Sloper (Mike) of Simpsonville, S.C.; son, James "Jimmy" Matthews, Jr. (Tatiana) of Atlanta, Ga.; and grandchildren, Carson Sloper, Bennett Sloper, Maximus Matthews and Luna Matthews.
A graveside service is set for Aug. 26 at 4 p.m., at Evergreen Memorial Park in Wilson.
Memorial donations can be made to the Alzheimer's Association, Attn: SC Gift Processing, 4600 Park Road, Suite 250, Charlotte, N.C. 28209 or Collins Children's Home, 110 Collins Home Drive, Seneca, S.C. 29672.
