Capt. George H. Matthews died Friday, May 7, 2010, at the University of Mississippi Medical Center in Jackson. He was 79.

Born in Duckport, La., he was the son of the late Frank Matthews and Eva Faircloth Matthews. Capt. Matthews was a Master River Boat Pilot on the Mississippi River for 49 years prior to his retirement. He was an avid motorcycle enthusiast, enjoying riding and repairing all types of motorcycles. Capt. Matthews was a member of the Mound Baptist Church.

He is predeceased by a sister and two brothers.

He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Betty G. Matthews of Vicksburg; son, Bubba Matthews and wife, Tena, of Vicksburg; three daughters, Gail Matthews of Marion, Ark., Pat Lummus and husband, Jasper, Mickey Ross and husband, James, both of Vicksburg; three grandchildren, Lindsay Brown, Will Matthews and Katie Ross; three great-grandchildren, Colby Smith, Chloe Smith and Corbyn Brown; sister, Fannie Sherman of Tallulah; and brother, Joe Matthews of Delhi, La.

Services will be 2 p.m. Monday at Riles Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. James Busby officiating. Burial will be at Cedar Hill Cemetery.

Visitation will be from 1 p.m. Monday until the hour of service.

Pallbearers will be James Ross, Jasper Lummus, Will Matthews, Wayne Matthews, Bobby Matthews and Lamar Heffner.

Honorary pallbearers will be Dr. Bill Porter, Dr. Paul Pierce III, Herbert Stokes, Paul Barrett, James Wyatt, Todd McBroom and the nursing staff of the Vicksburg Promise Hospital.

Memorials may be made to the Memorial and Honor Program, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN, 38105.