Funeral services for Rudolph Matthews, of
Leesville, La., will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, Aug. 28, at the Ellen Burr Baptist Church. Burial will follow in the Central Louisiana Veterans Cemetery, under the direction of Labby Memorial Funeral Home of Leesville.
Visitation will be
held on Friday, Aug. 28, from 10 a.m. until time of service at the church.
Rudolph Matthews was born on Nov. 7, 1945 in Woodville, Mississippi, to the late Felicia Russ and Elmo Matthews. Rudolph was preceded in death by one brother Elmo
Matthews, Jr. He is survived by siblings Myrtle Porter, Barbara Kelly, and Gail Matthews.
Rudolph spent his formative years in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, where he was an exemplary athlete excelling in baseball and track. His athletic prowess
proved to be a precursor to a successful adult athletic career. Rudolph was subsequently awarded a baseball scholarship to Grambling State University.
In 1968, during a brief respite from college, Rudolph was drafted into the United States
Army where he met his future wife. On April 3, 1970 he married Gloria Ann Hall. This union produced three children Angelita, Sonja, and Michael. Rudolph was also blessed with a fourth child, Shelia.
In 1971, Rudolph was recruited to be a
member of the inaugural United States Olympic Team Handball team representing the United States in Munich, Germany. Rudolph famously scored the 1st goal for the United States from the backfield. He played in all five matches and scored ten
goals.
The family moved throughout the U.S. finally settling in Fort Polk, Louisiana, in 1982 where he served the remainder of his military career. Mr. Matthews received the following honors during his military career; National Defense
Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm, Good Conduct Medal (6th Award), Army Commendation Medal (1st Oak Leaf Cluster), Combat Infantry Badge, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Bars (2),
Overseas Service Ribbon (3)
The Lord called Rudolph home to rest on Aug. 19, 2015.
Rudolph leaves as his legacy a wife: Gloria; son: Michael David; daughters: Angelita Denise, Sonja Lynette, Shelia Denise; four grandchildren:
Brianna, Kendrick, Na’Riah, Damien; one great grandson: Jaden; and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives and friends who loved him dearly.
Words of comfort may be expressed to the Matthews Family at www.labbymemorial.com.