John Oscar Matthews was born to the late John H. and Lillie Mae Matthews. John was the youngest of eight children, born September 22, 1934 in Ozark, AL

From the young age of fourteen, John had a very strong work ethic which he passed on to his children and other generations in his family and also friends. He was very skilled pulp wooder because of his stature. John had the build, strength, and height. He was not afraid of hard work. He worked for a lumber company here in Ozark called Pine Plume that no longer exist. John served in the United States Army, and also worked for Coca-Cola bottling company for over forty years. Until his retirement. In his past time he enjoyed watching his westerns or shoot-em-ups as he called them. Everyone that knew him knew he loved his Westerns.

On March 8, 1957 John married his sweetheart Annie Ruth Grey. To this union they were blessed with three children John Preston, Elliot, and Laura that he nicknamed "Loppy".

John was a member of the Church of God by Faith Ozark, AL. where he was a big supporter of his church and the new church Matthews-Scippio Academy.

John was preceded in death by three sisters; Vinell, Mary Emma, and Rubynell. Three brothers; J.W. Sammie J., Haiston and a daughter Carolyn Shelton. He leaves behind to cherish memories his loving wife of sixty-six years, Annie Ruth Matthews; sons John Preston Matthews, Elliot Matthews; Daughters Laura (Charles) Smith, Sabrina Whitehead, and Arlisha Johnson; twelve grandchildren; sixteen greatgrandchildren; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. John was loved by many and will be missed by all.