John Douglas Matthews, Jr., 66, passed away on Wednesday, April 10, 2019, at Specialty Hospital in Meridian.

A visitation will be held on Wednesday, April 17, 2019, from 1:00-2:00pm at Lowndes Funeral Home in Columbus, followed by a Memorial Service at 2:00pm from the Funeral Home Chapel.

Mr. Matthews was born October 29, 1952 in New Orleans, LA, to Rita Clesi Anderson and the late John D. Matthews, Sr., he was a Catholic by faith. Early in life he joined the United States Marine Corp. he was passionate about his military career as he served with the Airborne Division. After his service with the Marines, he enlisted with the United States Army National Guard, where he served until his retirement. He also worked several civilian jobs in the Oil and Environmental Industry as well as serving as a Commercial Diver. A loving and devoted family man, he was wonderful husband, Daddy and proud "Papa" to his two grandchildren. An avid fisherman, he also enjoyed hunting and spending time in the outdoors. He had a wonderful sense of humor and found joy in laughter. He loved cooking, but more especially, he loved eating his own culinary creations. An avid sports fan he was devoted and passionate in his love for LSU Athletics, and also enjoyed watching Atlanta Braves Baseball. He had a love for music, listening to Rock and Roll in his younger years, but had more recently rediscovered a love for Classic County favorites. He also enjoyed travelling, he lived a wonderful life pursuing his hobbies and interests.

In addition to his Father, he was preceded in death by his Step-Father Jack Anderson.

He is survived by his wife of 41 years Janice Taylor Matthews; two daughters: Baily (Blake) Brown of Columbus, MS, and Kelly Matthews (Jason Lawrence) of Houston, TX; mother Rita C. Anderson of Franklinton, LA; two grandchildren: Makenzie Lawrence and Bryson Brown; and sisters: Joann (John "Max") Lollar of Franklinton, LA, and Rita Carlyle of Grifton, NC.