March 2, 1970 – February 13, 2023
52 years, 11 months, 17 days

Dale Ray Mathews, 52, originally from Orrick, MO, left this Earth and travelled to Heaven on February 13, 2023.

He was born in Richmond, MO, on March 2, 1970, to Dale and Marge (Robertson) Mathews. He was a lifelong Orrick resident and received his education in the Orrick Public Schools. Ray graduated from Orrick High School in 1988.

Ray worked as a self-employed carpenter. He worked with his father, Dale from many years. He has built several new houses, housing additions and remodeled many businesses, such as Gowing Funeral Home in 1992, Fubblers (Jayder’s Cove) and the Masonic Lodge in Missouri City, MO. He took pride in the work he completed. His craftsmanship will be greatly missed in the areas where he worked and lived.

After a lifetime of rejecting the gospel, Ray came to know the Lord in 2005 when he watched his oldest daughter get baptized. If you know anything about Ray Mathews, you know that whatever he does, he does 100% … And his commitment to the Lord was no different. He immediately joined the First Baptist Church of Orrick and connected himself with the pastor. He was hungry to learn as much as he could. After about a year of absorbing everything that he could from the Word of God, he declared the call to preach. His pastor mentored him, got him prepared, and gave him opportunity to minister the word. Ray had a hunger for preaching and teaching and became a sought-after minister in the surrounding communities for pulpit fill, and for revivals. It was then that he was invited to become a deacon of the First Baptist Church of Orrick. Where he served with distinction. And honored the Lord. The apostle Paul told Timothy to be diligent to study the word, and to “fulfill his ministry”. Ray Mathews did that with distinction.

Ray was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Paul and Dortha Mathews, and his material grandfather, Fred Willard.

Survivors include his children, Autumne (Jim) Heffermen of Fayetteville, AR, Riley Mathews, of Liberty, MO, Payton Mathews, of Liberty, MO, and Joshua Mathews, of Warrensburg, MO; parents, Dale and Marge Mathews, of Orrick, MO; and sister Dalla (Mark) McMullen, of Orrick, MO. He is also survived by his nieces and several aunts, uncles, and cousins.

A Celebration of Life for Ray will be held on Saturday, February 25, 2023 from 2:00 to 6:00 p.m. at The Home Place at Valley View, 35920 West Highway T, Camden, MO 64017. In lieu of flowers, Memorials may be made payable to Dalla McMullen or made directly to his memorial fund at The Bank of Orrick.

Condolences

I was so very sad to hear of the passing of my brother in Christ. Although I mourn, I also rejoice in knowing that Ray is now in the presence of our Lord and Savior. I only know that he was grinning (as that what I shall remember most – his lovely grin) when he came face to face with God. Such a lovely man Ray was, such an inspiration to many, such a faithful follower that His heavenly Father greeted him arms wide open saying, “Welcome home, my faithful servant.” I, also, know Ray was greeted by ALL those he helped accept Christ.
Marilyn Moffitt