Ray Carlton Matthews of Nags Head, 72, passed away on Wednesday, July 6, 2022, in Chapel Hill.
A native of Elizabeth City, he graduated from the University of North Carolina in 1972 and moved to the Outer Banks.
Ray devoted his life to photographing the fleeting beauty of the barrier islands and beyond. His work has graced the walls of businesses and homes for over 50 years and provided inspiration for so many.
His passion for capturing dramatic weather, ever-changing landscape, and vibrant coastal life in photographs burned strong until his final days, and he leaves behind a vast library of photographic splendor.
A loving husband, father, grandfather, and friend, Ray touched the lives of many. He is survived by his wife Pam of 47 years, sister Nancy, brother Robert, three sons Shenon (Gail), Whit (Tiffany), and Evan (Brittany), and grandchildren Jade & Leighton, Morgan, Christiana, and Kelsey, as well as a large community of loving cousins and extended family members.
A memorial service will be held at St. Andrews by the Sea Episcopal Church on Tuesday, July 19, 2022, at 1:00 pm. A reception will follow in the parish hall. The service will be livestreamed via St. Andrews’ facebook page.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his name to the St. Andrews by the Sea Memorial Fund at https://abundant.co/saintandrewsobx/give or to the Dare County Arts Council at https://www.darearts.org/support.
Twiford Funeral Homes, Outer Banks is assisting the family with arrangements. Condolences and memories may be shared at www.TwifordFH.com.
More from the Ray Matthews Photography Facebook page:
On July 6th, Ray Matthews passed away unexpectedly due to complications with a cancer treatment procedure. It was his great joy and honor to share the world through his lens with so many and we hope that you will continue to enjoy his photographic legacy found within his website www.raymatthews.com.
At this time, his photos are not available for online purchase but can be found in Yellowhouse Gallery in Duck, Pea Island Art Gallery in Salvo, and Down Creek Gallery in Ocracoke.
