Cover photo for Clarence R. Matthews, Jr.'s Obituary
Clarence R. Matthews, Jr. Profile Photo
1958 Clarence 2025

Clarence R. Matthews, Jr.

March 23, 1958 — January 5, 2025

Mr. Clarence Roosevelt “Larry” Matthews, Jr. was born March 23, 1958 in Florence, South Carolina to Clarence Roosevelt “Larry” Matthews, Sr. and the late Mary Louise “Frances” Kirven Matthews. He passed away on Sunday, January 5, 2025 at 2:45 am while a patient at McLeod Regional Medical Center after an extended illness.

“Larry” attended Wilson High School in Florence, South Carolina, where he received his formal education. He later married Margaret Renetha Gattison and to this union two children were born. He was blessed with an older daughter and a stepdaughter.

As a child, “Larry” was fascinated with film projectors only to become a Film Projector Operator Technician at various local theaters. Later his passion became truck driving. He was employed at Thomas and Howard and McLane as a professional Transportation Technician. Larry was especially fond of his blaxploitation movies (such as Cooley High and Superfly), listening to music and spending time with his family. 

“Larry” was preceded in death by his mother, Mary Louise “Frances” Kirven Matthews.

“Larry” leaves to cherish his memories, his wife, Margaret Renetha Gattison; four daughters, Jada Alavander Matthews, Jordan McKenzie Matthews and Jalisa Sade Wright all of Darlington, South Carolina and Chequita Lolette Lynch of Florence, South Carolina; three grandchildren, three great grandchildren; his dad, Clarence Roosevelt “Larry” (Julia) Matthews, Sr. of Florence, South Carolina; one sister, Ramona Renee “Bambi” (Dionte) Matthews-Moses of Florence, South Carolina; a special niece, Crystal Shaneka Matthews of Florence, South Carolina; and a host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends.

Family will receive friends beginning Thursday, January 9, 2025 from 12PM - 9PM at 1770 Lakota Dr. Apt B , Florence, SC.

Please keep the family of Clarence Roosevelt "Larry" Matthews, Jr. in your thoughts and prayers.

To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Clarence R. Matthews, Jr., please visit our flower store.

Service Schedule

Past Services

Viewing

Friday, January 10, 2025

1:00 - 5:00 pm (Eastern time)

Smith's Funeral Home-Florence

307 S Johns St, Florence, SC 29506

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Visitation

Friday, January 10, 2025

5:00 - 6:00 pm (Eastern time)

Smith's Funeral Home-Florence

307 S Johns St, Florence, SC 29506

Enter your phone number above to have directions sent via text. Standard text messaging rates apply.

Funeral Service

Saturday, January 11, 2025

Starts at 3:00 pm (Eastern time)

Smith's Funeral Home-Florence

307 S Johns St, Florence, SC 29506

Enter your phone number above to have directions sent via text. Standard text messaging rates apply.

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