Frank Albert Mathewson, Jr. was a leader — an Army officer, an executive, husband, 
father, son, brother, uncle, cousin, friend, mentor, coach, fraternity man, prolific storyteller and story maker.
He was born in Ahoskie, NC, on November 21, 1942 and departed this life on September 30, 2011 in Charlotte, NC. He was the oldest of seven children (six sons and one daughter) of the late Frank A. Mathewson, Sr. and Ella Mary Lewis Mathewson.
Frank was a 1960 graduate of W.A. Patillo High School in Tarboro, NC, and earned a BS in business administration in 1964 from Virginia State College in Petersburg, VA. There he was vice president of the student body, vice president of the senior class, president of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Nu Psi Chapter, secretary of Scabbard and Blade Military Honor Society, and listed in “Who’s Who Among Students in American Universities and Colleges.”
His natural ability to lead was displayed throughout his life. He served with the U.S. Army in Korea and Ft. Knox, KY, winning the Army Commendation Medal and the National Defense Service Medal. Frank left the Army in 1967 as a first lieutenant after a two-year tour of duty. He spent 34 years at AT&T, joining them in 1964 as a sales representative, and later becoming director of long lines operations for the western states. In April 1979, he appeared in Ebony Magazine in the “Speaking About People” section for his achievements. He retired in 1998 as an internal lobbyist after working with the FCC on policy issues that helped lay the foundation for modern wireless Internet communications. He came from a telephone family. His father, Frank Sr., worked for many years for the Carolina Telephone and Telegraph Company in Tarboro.
After his father passed away early in his family’s life, Frank also became a father figure to many of his siblings and was committed to seeing them go to college to realize his father’s dream. This theme of caring for others existed throughout his life as he mentored many youth throughout the years and volunteered his time to those in need even in retirement including a men’s shelter.
Known for his love of family and friends, he loved to tell stories, make up nicknames and had a creative flair for bringing his family together. From the famed Camp Charlotte with his grandchildren to his family emails, family trips, eclectic dining palate, and network of Internet-joking friends, he loved life. He was most proud of his children, and his Village—a connection of family and extended family.
In 1966 he married and is survived by his loving wife, Dianne Gardner Mathewson, the love of his life and best friend; a daughter, Nicole Mathewson Scott (Bruce) of Bethesda, MD; a son, Mark Mathewson (Chinyere) of Beltsville, MD; two granddaughters, Elijah Scott and Maya Mathewson; and two grandsons, Kyle Mathewson and Chase Mathewson. He also leaves to cherish his memories five brothers and one sister, one brother and five sisters in-law, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends.
The funeral will be held Friday, October 7, 2011 at Friendship Missionary Baptist Church (the “old church”), 3301 Beatties Ford Road, Charlotte, NC, 28216. The family will receive friends and loved ones in the Adult Fellowship Hall from 9:30 a.m. The service will begin in the Sanctuary promptly at 11:00 a.m.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests considering a donation “In memory of Frank A. Mathewson, Jr.” to Charlotte Family Housing, 300 Hawthorne Lane, 3rd Floor, Charlotte, NC 28204 (704-335-5488).
Long & Son Mortuary Service is serving the Mathewson family.
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