Ray was born the fourth of 12 siblings in Dundalk, Maryland. After high school, he joined the U.S. Navy. After his discharge, he remained on the West Coast in San Francisco where he married Jean Mulloney.

They had three children: Renee Narvaiz (Louie); Marcella Ann Kruly (Reid); and Steven Matthews (Chris). Ray is also survived by his grandchildren: Tony Bautista, Jessica Rodriquez, Daniel Criasfi, Emily Kruly and Louis Narvaiz, and four great-grandchildren: Jalene, Mila, Braylon and Zoe, with another one on the way.

Ray was predeceased by his second wife Joanne. Ray moved to Vashon Island over 40 years ago and operated “Ray Matthews Construction” until five years ago when he decided to “semi-retire.” He dearly loved his family, friends, customers, Vashon Island Eagles, his Vashon home, and the USA. He fought his illness for the last few years and is now at peace. He will always be loved and missed deeply. A private family memorial will be held at a later date