Dallas Wayne Mathews

Candler Dallas Wayne Mathews, 69, of 10 Blackberry Lane, passed away Tuesday, June 28, 2010 at the Charles George VA Medical Center after a long and courageously fought battle with declining health. Dallas valiantly served his country in the Strategic Air Command, USAF from 1960-1964, most notably during the Cuban Missile Crisis of 1962, specializing in electronic guidance systems used in the F104 Starfighter, the missile with a man in it. He was proud of his electronic ability to flawlessly support his pilots. A prolific, passionate writer, he spent many peaceful hours expressing his undying, unquestioning faith in our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, through thought-provoking songs and poems glorifying Gods Gift to us all. If there was a child or a dog nearby, they would be in Dallas arms. He loved them all unconditionally. He was uncompromising in his values, integrity, and beliefs. Those whom he loved, he loved with all of his heart. Those who were less fortunate had a worthy adversary to be sure. He grew more reclusive as his illness took its toll, not because he wanted to, but he had a battle to fight. He fought well and died bravely. Dallas was the son of the late Harry and Geneva Louida Powers Mathews. Surviving are his son, Daniel, of Brevard; step-children: Mark Mathews of Brevard, David Mathews of Florence, SC, and Angela Buchanan of Rosman; brother, Jim Mathews and wife Karyn of Raleigh; sister, Juana Mathews of Asheville; and many loving aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews. Niece Jennifer Rostan of Hickory, nephew James Mathews of Raleigh, and cousin Rick Blair of Mechanicsville, VA were especially close to him throughout the years and during his illness. Heartfelt gratitude is extended to Rev. Furman Wilson, Homer Matthews, Donna Worley, Greg Smith, and all those whose prayers sustained us. Denise and Janine Bitz and Karon Harrold of Brother Wolf Animal Rescue were tireless in their efforts on Dallas behalf during his illness. You are all Special People! A memorial service will be held August 14 in Marshall during the annual Mathews reunion. For those wishing to honor Dallas memory, please make a donation to Brother Wolf Animal Rescue, PO Box 8195, Asheville, NC, 28814, (828) 808-9435, or at www.bwar.org, to help in their ongoing efforts to protect and find homes for animals that have lost a dear friend in Dallas.