Mr. Walter Franklin Matthews, of Harrisburg, departed this life Tuesday, September 13, 2016, at the age of 81. He was born August 7, 1935 in Fisher, Arkansas, the son of Joseph Franklin Matthews and Carrie Cannon Matthews. Walter lived most of his life in Fisher and was a farmer. He was a lifetime member of the Fisher Church of Christ, where he served as an elder for over 40 years. After the death of his first wife, he remarried and moved to Cash, where he hand cut firewood for 20 years. In addition to his parents, he preceded in death by his first wife, Bettye Jean South Matthews, his second wife, Pauline Ellis Matthews, and one sister, Rosemary Matthews. He is survived by one son, Jerry Matthews (Marie) of Fisher, three stepsons, Charles Ellis, Fern "Belo" Ellis and Terry Ellis, all of Cash, three brothers, Charles (Kay) Matthews, Larry (Judy) Matthews and Gary (Carolyn) Matthews, all of Fisher, three grandchildren, Marty Matthews, Heather Ellis and Kimberly Ellis, five great grandchildren, and several nieces, nephews, and cousins. Graveside funeral services will be held at 9:00 a.m. Thursday, September 15, 2016, at the Tyre Cemetery near Harrisburg under the direction of Gregg-Weston Funeral Home of Harrisburg. There will be no visitation.