Sewell Washington "S.W." Matthews, 88, of Snow Hill, died Monday, April 9, 2012 at Snow Hill Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. He was born March 13, 1924 in Assawoman, Virginia, a son of the late James Lloyd Matthews and Henrietta Chesser Matthews. "S.W.", as he was fondly known by many, proudly served his country in the US Navy. He was a long time member of Spence Baptist Church in Snow Hill where he faithfully served as a deacon and was a member of the choir and the Baptist Men's Group. He was also a 20 year member of the Snow Hill Volunteer Fire Department. In 1985 he retired after many years of service as a paper press operator for Moore's Business Forms in Snow Hill. During his time at Moore's and even after retirement, he also worked as a house painter. In his younger days S.W. loved the outdoors and especially enjoyed deer hunting, boating, fishing and camping. Other interests were bowling and following his beloved Baltimore Orioles. He is survived by a son, M. Bruce Matthews and his companion, Patti Godfrey, of Mappsville, Virginia; a daughter-in-law, Susan W. Matthews of Snow Hill; a granddaughter, Erin Matthews of Salisbury; his long-time companion, Audrey Jones of Berlin; a sister, Annabelle Taylor of Temperanceville, Virginia; and several nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 50 years, Gertrude Pettit Matthews, who passed July 22, 1997; a sister, Mary Hancock; and 2 brothers, Milton Matthews and James Matthews, Jr. A funeral service will be held on Thursday, April 12, 2012 at 11:00 a.m. at Spence Baptist Church in Snow Hill, where family and friends may call from 10:00 to 11:00. The Reverend Kenneth D. Elligson will officiate. Interment will follow the services at Spence Baptist Church Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made in his memory to Spence Baptist Church, 4824 Paw Paw Creek Road, Snow Hill, MD 21863, or to the Snow Hill Volunteer Fire Department, P.O. Box 83, Snow Hill, MD 21863. Arrangements are in the care of Short Funeral Home in Delmar. Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.shortfh.com.