Donald Mathews, a man of quiet strength and a beloved pillar of his family, passed away on January 4, 2026, at the age of 87. Born on February 13, 1938, to Helen L. Matthews and James R. Lewis, Donald's roots were deep in Winston-Salem. He was raised with love and devotion by his great aunt, Mary Love, and his aunt, Mary Etter Lewis, in the historic Boston neighborhood. He went on to attend Atkins High School and was a proud member of the "Original Big Four," a foundation of community and excellence that stayed with him throughout his life.

In 1955, at just 17 years old, Donald began a distinguished 24-year career in the United States Army. Serving as a Sergeant First Class (E-7) in the elite 82nd Airborne Division, he was a qualified paratrooper and a veteran of two combat tours in Vietnam. For his valor and sacrifice in the Mekong Delta with the Mobile Riverine Force, 3rd Battalion, 60th Infantry, he was awarded the Purple Heart for wounds received on November 3, 1967, and the Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm. He was uniquely distinguished by receiving the Combat Infantryman Badge 2nd Award, signifying his direct participation in ground combat across multiple conflicts, and earned the Korea Defense Service Medal and four Overseas Service Bars. A master of his craft, Donald was a member of the "President's Hundred" and served as an elite instructor with the U.S. Army Marksmanship Training Unit (MTU) #5 at Ft. Riley, Kansas.

​He also earned a Bachelor's degree in Business Management from Rutledge College. After retiring from the military, Donald continued his life of service in security with US Airways, retiring in the early 2000s.

​Though he was known as the "strong, silent type," Donald was a gifted storyteller who took great pride in his family and his history. He was the oldest living grandchild of Alice and William Matthews and found his greatest happiness in his 60-year marriage to the love of his life, the late Claudia Virginia Mathews, whom he married on June 4, 1960.

​Donald's legacy lives on through his three devoted daughters, Denise A. Mathews, Monique A. (Michael) Cannon, and Dawn S. Mathews, all of Winston-Salem; his ten beloved grandchildren, Tristan Mathews Sr., Derrica Mathews, Timothy Mathews, Danielle Jeffries, Clifton Jeffries, IV, Christopher Jeffries, Alexander Jeffries, Jaden Kearse, Jala Kearse, and Jalaya Kearse; his six cherished great-grandchildren, Triziyha Mathews, Mycah Stevens, Myair Stevens, Tri'mya Mathews, Kailynd Bustos, and Torriah Kelly-Mathews. He is also survived by two nieces; and a host of family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Claudia Virginia Mathews; his parents, Helen L. Matthews and James R. Lewis; his great aunt, Mary Love; his aunt, Mary Etter Lewis; his brother, Ira "June" Matthews; and his great-grandson, Tristan Mathews, Jr.

Memorial services will be held at 12:00pm Friday, January 23, 2026 at the Russell Funeral Home Chapel. The family visitation will be held from 11:30am until 12:00pm on Friday at the Chapel.