Anthony Duke Matthews was born in Kingston, Jamaica on December 1, 1959, to Cleveland Emmanuel Matthews of Queens New York and the late Daphney Elizabeth Minott. Tony, as he was known by most spent, his first years growing up in Port Maria, St. Mary and Papine, both of which were on the Island of Jamaica. He was a fun-loving child and would try anything once, to include flying down a hill on a homemade wooden scooter that did not hold up all the way to the bottom. And when he picked himself up and dusted himself off, he was laughing hilariously the whole time.

He moved to the United States at the age of 14 where he had an illustrious career of running track at Benjamin N. Cardozo High School. He helped his team win many meets and was given the nickname "Preacher" because of his smooth-talking ways. After graduating from high school, he attended Farmingdale University where he won an additional track scholarship to West Virginia University to complete a Bachelor's Degree in Physical Therapy. Tony transformed his love of building things into a career that he enjoyed for many years.

Tony never met a stranger and therefore, had a multitude of friends all over the world. He traveled all over the United States visiting family and friends when he could. He loved his family and was very proud of their accomplishments. Especially his daughter, Nikita, who was the light of his life as was his new granddaughter, Jasmeen.

Tony was preceded in death by his beloved mother, Daphney Elizabeth Minott Melvin. He leaves to cherish his memory: one daughter, Nikita Matthews; one granddaughter, Jasmeen Aljumail; his father Cleveland Matthews (Gloria); four brothers, Donovan Matthews (Monica), Ashmando "Muto" Melvin, Paul Parks, and Patrick Parks; eight sisters, Beryl Matthews, Andrea Matthews Cross (Calvin), Janice Matthews-Oates (Horace), Joan Robinson Duval (Horace), Karlene McNaughton Peart (Gary), Cordia McNaughton, Cleone Melvin-Watson (Lynford), and Alicia Dillon; a host of nieces, nephews, grandnieces, grandnephews, cousins, and friends.

Anthony's family has established a college fund for his beloved daughter, Nikita. They request that in lieu of flowers a donation maybe made to the fund so that she will able to finish her college education. To the Nikita Matthews Scholarship Fund Po Box 26 Havelock, NC. 28532. Arrangements by Byrd & Flanigan Crematory and Funeral Service Lawrenceville, GA (770)962-2200 ByrdandFlanigan.com