John Graham Matthews

Mr. John Graham Matthews, 68, of Lake City, passed away, Friday, May 1, 2026, peacefully surrounded by his family.

Born to Sam Jack Matthews, Jr. and Miriam Graham Matthews, Graham was raised on his family’s farm in Scranton, SC, where he developed the strong work ethic that would define his life. He worked alongside his father and family in the farm chemical warehouse business, Carolina Eastern, for his entire career until his recent illness.

Graham was a devoted and loving husband to his wife of 44 years, Robin Graham Matthews. He was a proud father to Channing (Catie Loadholt) Matthews and Kimberly Matthews; and grandfather to Anderson and Garlyn Matthews of Coward; Catelynn (Josef) Summers of Warner Robins, Georgia; Kaiden Gaige Roark of Great Lakes, Michigan, serving in the U.S. Navy; and great-grandchildren, Jase and Elouise Summers.  

He is survived by his mother-in-law, Beth Broach; his siblings, Sammy (Kay) Matthews, Elaine (Joe) Richardson, and Jean Matthews; and a very special sister-in-law, Pam (Barry) Thompson, and friend, Dan Gause, who was like a brother to him.

Graham is further survived by many beloved nephews and a niece: Sammy (Jennifer) Matthews, Jr., Russell (Shannon) Matthews, Jeffrey (Monica) Kirby, Ian Hewett, Hunter (Martha) Thompson, Blake Matthews, Jesse (Maecy) Matthews, and Ashley (Burton) Dixon.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his father-in-law, Danny Broach; and his brothers-in-law, Thomas “BoBo” Graham and Johnny Graham and Sammy Kirby.

Graham rarely sat still—whether working at the warehouse or tending to projects at home—he was always working. He had the gift of making sure things were always “done right,” never halfway. Though he worked hard, he cherished quiet weekends at the beach with his wife, family, and friends. He had a love for his Harley-Davidson, enjoyed good food, and had a special place in his heart for animals—rarely without a loyal canine companion by his side.

He was a kind, humble person who never cared about having more than the necessities in life but enjoyed sharing his blessings with those less fortunate. Graham was a man of few words, what he did say could be trusted. He balanced a good sense of humor with a no-nonsense approach to life, guided by values of hard work and responsibility.

After receiving a difficult diagnosis in March of 2025, Graham faced his illness with strength and determination, fighting like a warrior until the very end. The love and support of his family and friends throughout his journey meant the world to him.

The family will receive friends from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. on Sunday, May 3, 2026, at Carolina Funeral Home in Scranton and following the service at the cemetery.

Graveside service will be 3:00 p.m. at Lake City Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Florence Humane Society in honor of Graham’s love for animals, 1434 S McCurdy Rd, Florence, SC 29506 or Turbeville Children’s Home, 5232 W Turbeville Hwy, Turbeville, SC 29162.

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