Billy Reed Matthews

Billy Reed "Boomer" Matthews, 62, of Sedona, passed away peacefully at home on April 3, 2009; with his wife, Rosalie by his side.

Billy was born August 21, 1947, in Chicago, Illinois. His family moved to Scottsdale when he was 5 years old. He served in both the Marine Corps and the Navy; for which he was awarded several medals; including a Purple Heart, due to being wounded. He worked as a heavy equipment operator for the city of Scottsdale, retiring in 1984. In 1988, Billy and Rosalie moved to the Village of Oak Creek and in 1990, they got married at the Village Pub. He loved to play the drums and he loved golf; until the loss of his leg, due to amputation. He never met anyone he didn't like; and when anyone would ask him how he was doing, he always said, "Damn near perfect!".

He will be sorely missed by friends and family. He was preceded in death by his mother, Hazel; father Reedy; sister Sharon; and son Kenneth. He is survived by his wife Rosalie; brother Ron (and his wife Roberta); son Bill (and his wife Heather); daughter Laura; five grandchildren; and numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins.

A celebration of life memorial will be held at a later date. Arrangements are entrusted to Greer's Mortuary of Sedona.