302 S. Walnut Street Sherman, TX 75090 | Map It | 903.893.1171

Obituaries

Warner Ray Matthews

10/14/1957 - 06/01/2022

Text:

Obituary For Warner Ray Matthews

Warner Ray Matthews, 64, passed away on Wednesday, June 1st, 2022. He was married to Dianne Matthews for nearly 42 years. Born in LaGrange, Georgia on October 14, 1957, to Emmett and Ilena Matthews. Ray was an entrepreneur and wore many hats. He did full-time ministry and was a pastor at New Harvest Church in West Point, Georgia. Over the years he organized many events that would reach hundreds of people. These events went on to lead many people to Christ. Upon moving to Texas in September 2000, Ray was worship pastor for New Life Church for several years. He owned Warner Promotions where he was a marketing specialist and consultant. He was also a Software/Hardware engineer and owned Futuretest; where he designed software/hardware PC-based test solutions. He sold software and hardware to the military and contracted with companies like NCR, Sperry/Univac and Phillip Morris. He attended West Georgia Technical College and graduated in 1980 with an Associates in Electronic Technology. He attended Christian Life School of Theology in Columbus, Georgia from 1991-1993. He then attended Grayson College in Denison, Texas and obtained an Associates of Applied Science, Business and Management. He went on to Texas A&M University in Commerce, Texas where he graduated with a Bachelor of Applied Arts and Science in Business Management in 2014. He finished his collegiate journey by obtaining a Master of Science in Marketing from Texas A&M University in 2016. Prior to his passing, he was heavily devoted to his ministry at The Gathering. He loved nothing more than to get people together through music, coffee, and great conversation. His open Mic Nights were for the “singing in the shower” type of performer, to the one act play. Ray always wanted to give everyone a platform to express their individuality in a judgement-free environment. He taught vocal lessons, scored music, and worked individually with people. He created a house band and sought for perfection. His meetings with his Men’s Group consisted of teachings and discussions on God’s intentions for men and their roles in life. He wanted to give young men direction and help them define their purpose. He wanted them to become the Godly leaders they were meant to be. His Bible studies always allowed anyone to voice their thoughts on the scripture and develop a deeper meaning and understanding of God’s grace through intimate discussions. It was important to him to teach that regardless of your issues, circumstances, or backgrounds, we’re utterly accepted by God. He really wanted everyone who walked into the door to feel welcomed and at home. He wanted people to truly know what love and acceptance is. Through his grace messages, he taught God’s forgiveness and mercy. Ray wanted God to lead him in his ministry and use him how He saw fit. He wanted his door to stay open for wherever God needed him to be. He loved people and would stop to pray for anyone that asked him. Aside from his ministry, Ray’s life were his wife, children, and grandkids. He loved building deep relationships with each of them whether it was a deep late-night conversation, enjoying a good meal, watching movies, or helping a grandchild learn a new instrument. He will be remembered for being such a great husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. His children always felt that he was the example of Christ because of his unconditional love and grace. He made each of them a priority and would stop whatever he was doing to take a phone call, give advice, or just be a listening ear. He often spoke of how extremely proud he was of his family. He is survived by his wife, Dianne Matthews; his daughters, Andrea Wagnon and husband Daniel of Boswell, Oklahoma, Michelle Johnson and husband Jordan of Sherman, Texas, Leah Russell and husband Weston of Sherman, Texas; his sons, Daniel Matthews and wife Jenny of Sherman, Texas, Michael Matthews and wife Meghan of Sherman, Texas, Andrew Matthews and wife Candice of Bells, Texas; his 14 grandchildren, Hannah and Bethany Wagnon, Jacob Matthews, Kyra, Amya, Atalie, Ezekiel and Zayn Johnson, Mila, Theo, Lyla, Harmony, Gracelyn, and Carson Matthews, and great-grandson, August Wagnon.He is also survived by his sisters; Carol Hicks and husband Larry of LaGrange, Georgia, Brenda White and husband Olin of LaGrange, Georgia, brothers; Danny Matthews and wife Margaret of Rome, Georgia, Ricky Matthews and wife Leisa of LaGrange, Georgia, Steve Matthews, Darrell Matthews, and many nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents, Emmett and Ilena Matthews of LaGrange, Georgia. Family visitation will be held at Dannel Funeral Home at 12:00 to 1:00pm on June 10, 2022, with close friends and guests welcome to join from 1:00 to 2:00pm. The graveside service will be held at Holloway Cemetery shortly after at 2:30pm.The family will be honoring Ray by doing a Celebration of Life at First United Bank in Sherman, Texas, on Saturday, June 11, 2022, at 1:00pm. Dianne would love for anyone to join in commemorating Ray and sharing the incredible ways of how he affected their life.

Photos & Video

Add New Photos & Video

Condolences

  • 07/07/2022

    Michael Murphy

    I also contacted Dr. Larry Lea about Ray's passing. He asked that I send his and Leah's condolences, prayers and love to Dianne and the entire family.

  • 07/07/2022

    Michael Murphy

    So sad to hear about Ray. He served the people at New Life Church faithfully with his talent and God-given gifts. I remember the day that he, Dianne and their kids showed up. His mother had recently passed away shortly after their arrival as I recall. He quickly became a great friend and fellow laborer in the Kingdom. He loved his family and was so proud of each and every one of them. He always had a smile and a good word for everyone he met. I am praying for Dianne and all of the kids and grandkids. Sending much love and condolences from China.

  • 06/10/2022

    Tracy Blanton

    This man is the kindest most Godly man I know . This is one very sad and devastating day for me to learn of this news. Although a celebration in heaven where we shall meet again my brother and best friend in Christ.

Add a Candle

Click a candle below to add a candle to your message.