Bernard (Bernie) John Matthews (71), with his wife at his side, peacefully exhaled his last earthly breath and inhaled his first heavenly breath in the early morning of November 15, 2013, at their McKinney, Texas, home.

Although Bernard experienced the ravages of a first stroke in 2003, his heart and mind were always filled with thankfulness. He was courageous to the end.

Bernard enjoyed many professions. For 23 years, he was employed by the Public Works in Washington, DC. He and Louise owned and operated "The Captains Table," a historic, waterfront restaurant in Southern Maryland. Moving to the Florida Keys for 12 years, they owned and operated "Accommodating The Keys," a property management business. They were also Realtors and worked as a team for Century 21 Pro-Realty.

He enjoyed duck hunting, fishing, boating, snorkeling, and diving, as well as non-commercial lobstering, and crabbing. He had a gift for renovating and remodeling homes. He and Louise loved spending time at SmithIsland in the Chesapeake Bay of MD.

Bernard was born in Baltimore, Maryland, to the late Thomas and Alice Matthews. He was a 1962 graduate of Oxon Hill Senior High School. He is survived by: his wife Louise of 35 years; his three sons Bernard, Jeffrey, and Nathan, and daughter-in-laws, Laurel, Jessamyne, and Rose; six grandchildren, Matthew, Christina, Joel, Nathan, Jr., Jacob and Madelyne; two great-granddaughters, Emily and Melody. He is also survived by his sister whom he loved dearly - Judy and brother-in-law Mike Roane as well as their daughter Kim Gromos and her son Brenden. And his sisters and brothers-in-law Diane Bley, Rebecca and Jim Link, Clyde and Judy Male, and Jonathan Male as well as many nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, he was predeceased in death by his sister-in-law Susan Yobst, brother-in-law Paul Bley, and his beautiful nephew Andrew Bley.

Bernard loved the Lord. When able, he attended HopeFellowshipChurch in Frisco, TX. Usually a 20 minute visit was his limit due to pain, but Pastor John McKinzie didn't mind. Pastor John baptized Bernard in 2008 and will conduct a "blessing of the earthly ashes."

Bedridden, Bernard enjoyed hearing the ministry of Pastors Joseph Prince, Joyce Meyers, and Joel Osteen every evening. He loved the "Word" of God. At various times that he was hospitalized or in a skilled nursing facility, it was not unusual to find staff circled around his bed, holding hands, singing gospels, and praying.

Hospice Compassus, McKinney, TX, has been an integral and blessed part of Bernard's life since January, 2012. God's Angels in human form; and a special thank you to Dr. LeJuene and Dawn Walker, RN. They made it possible for Bernard to remain at home until his passing which was an answer to Louise and Bernard's prayers.

A local "Celebration of Life" will be held on December 7, 2013.

An extended family "Celebration of Life" will be held at a later date.

Arrangements are under the direction of

ARIA Cremation Service and Funeral Home

19310 Preston Road

Dallas, Texas 75252

214-306-6700