Matthew Timothy Clark, 43, of Lumber Bridge, passed away on August 7, 2026. He was a loving son, father, husband, brother, uncle, cousin, and friend who lived life his own way and loved deeply.

Family was his greatest love. Matthew had many passions throughout his life. He enjoyed guns, working on cars, racing, cheering for his beloved Carolina Panthers, cooking, a good glass of whiskey, and spending time with family and friends. He especially loved Mexican food and enjoyed cooking and sharing good food with the people he loved. Whether he was working on a car, talking about racing, watching the Panthers, cooking a favorite meal, or simply sitting around laughing with family and friends, Matthew knew how to make everyday moments into lasting memories.

He will be remembered for his strong personality, his passions, his stories, his love of cooking and good food, and above all, his love for his family, his greatest treasure.

Matthew was preceded in death by his father, Timmy Ray Clark; stepfather, Nelson Royal; grandfather, Carl Owen; grandparents, Mary and Calvin Clark; and nephew, Jacoby O’Ryan Deese.

He leaves behind his mother, Mary Deese Royal; wife, Stephanie Kirby; children, Kennedy La’Kole Kline (Landon), Nova Rain Clark, and Ta’koda Ray Clark; grandmother, Mary J. Owen; aunt, Nancy D. Hunt; and uncle, Harold Deese (Catherine), along with many nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends.

Those especially close to him include cousins and friends Robert Clark, Joey Stanley, Tracy Deese (Henry), and Cheyenne Taylor Jacobs (Lakota), whose bonds with Matthew will always be cherished.

Matthew’s life touched many, and he will be deeply missed. His memory will live on in the sound of an engine, the excitement of a race, the roar of the Carolina Panthers, the smell of a favorite meal cooking, the taste of good Mexican food, a shared glass of whiskey, the laughter of family and friends, and the countless stories and memories of those who loved him.

Most of all, Matthew will live on through his children, his family, and the love he gave them.

Rest easy, Matthew.

You are loved.

You are missed.

You will never be forgotten.