Larry Matthews

Larry Shannon Matthews, 84, of Shelbyville, Texas, passed away peacefully on August 29, 2025, in Nacogdoches, Texas, surrounded by loved ones. He was born on November 18, 1940, in Livingston, Texas, to the late Ben J. Matthews and Mary Ann Wainwright.

Visitation will be held from 1PM - 2PM on Tuesday, September 2, 2025, at Mangum Funeral Home, Center, Texas.

Funeral service will begin at 2PM at Mangum Funeral Home, in Center, with Bro. Rusty Hall, Bro. Chris Collins, and Bro. Levi Willoughby officiating. Interment will follow at Strong Cemetery.

Larry graduated from Shelbyville High School, then he attended Stephen F. Austin. He married the love of his life Judy Martin Matthews on December 29, 1961. She was his one true love, and they devoted their lives to each other for 63 years. They had two children together, Shani and Matt. He knew they were blessings from above and he thanked God for them daily. He had lots of different jobs along the way. The one that meant the most to him was being a fishing guide on Toledo Bend Lake for 16 years. He then worked for Southwest Outdoor Sales as a sales representative for Shimano fishing products. Later in life he retired working in the oilfield. He loved his community and gave back to it every chance possible. He was one of the charter members of the Shelby County Bass Anglers, he was also a Shriner. He was a Master Mason at Sam Houston Lodge #32 in Shelbyville, TX. He also served as a council men for the City of Huxley for 30+ years. He was a devoted husband, father, grandpa, and great grandpa and took so much pride in those roles. The most important thing in his life was his relationship with God. He made sure he paved the road for his children to know about God. There will never be another husband, dad, papaw, or Ol’ Salt like him. He left a legacy, and we were blessed as a family to be loved by him. Rejoice in Heaven and go find you a fishing hole! You’ll be forever missed. 

He is survived by his loving wife,

Judy Matthews

Son,

Matt Matthews and wife Stephanie

Daughter,

Shani Oswalt and husband Kevin

Grandchildren,

Zach Oswalt

Chasity Willoughby and husband Levi

Rachel Upchurch

Ty and Sierra Matthews

Great-Grandchildren,

Elly Willoughby

Tillie Willoughby

Maisie Matthews

Tripp Matthews

Kimber Oswalt

Larry is preceded in death by his parents, Ben and Mary Matthews; and father and mother-in-law, Doc and Gay Martin.

Pallbearers serving will be Joey Dyess, Brad Hughes, Bryant Sanford, Brad Sanford, Jody Fancher, David Koonce, David Lindsey, Vic Cooper, Gary McDonald, and Shane Murphy.

Honorary pallbearers will be James Jarod, Kevin White, David Graves, Craig Hendricks, Ron Hendricks, and Jason Wells.