January 12, 2021, 91, Goldsboro –
Dr. Matthew Gay Delbridge, who practiced general dentistry in Goldsboro, NC, for 47 years, died at home on Tuesday, January 12, 2021, at the age of 91. He was born on June 28, 1929, in Spring Hope, North Carolina to Mary Berta Gay Delbridge and William Matthew Delbridge.
An Eagle Scout, he graduated from Spring Hope High School and received a BS degree from Wake Forest College. He taught chemistry and biology for two years at Charles L. Coon High School in Wilson, NC, where he met Lola Peele Stephenson, a fellow biology teacher. They were married on August 17, 1952. After serving in the US Army for two years during the Korean War, he was accepted to the UNC School of Dentistry where he received his DDS degree in 1960.
Dr. Delbridge was an active member of the Wayne County Dental Society. He served as President, Secretary, and Chairman of several committees. He was a member of the Eastern Prosthetics Study Club and The Fifth District Dental Society where he served as a Fifth District trustee, delegate to the North Carolina Dental Society and Chairman of the District By-Laws and Ethics Committee for several years. He was awarded the Fifth District Dental Society Morgan Award for outstanding service to the Fifth District and to the dental profession. As a member of the North Carolina Dental Society, he served as Chairman of the Bylaws and Ethics Committee and the Relief Committee for many years. He was also a fellow of The Academy of General Dentistry and American Dental Association. He was elected into The American College of Dentists and the International College of Dentists based on years of service, leadership, accomplishments in the profession, contributions to community and dedication to family. He was a member of the Golden K Kiwanis International.
Dr. Delbridge was an active member at First Baptist Church in Goldsboro since 1960. He served as a Boy Scout leader, children’s Sunday School teacher for ten years, Missions Giving Committee, chairman Pastor Search Committee, Deacon for several terms, chairman of the Constitution and By Laws committee, Nominating Committee and an active member of the Lola Delbridge Sunday School Class.
He is survived by his wife of sixty-eight years, Lola Peele Stephenson Delbridge and three children: The Reverend Lola Catherine Delbridge Hicks and husband Ben Young Hicks of Fredericksburg, VA; The Honorable Matthew Leonard Delbridge, J.D., and wife Margaret Griffin Delbridge of Goldsboro; The Reverend Dr. Mary Lynnette Delbridge and husband The Reverend Andrew William Meckstroth of Bethlehem, PA. He is also survived by seven granddaughters and one great granddaughter: Dr. Elizabeth Peele Hicks and husband Dr. Steve Tarzia of Evanston, IL; Catherine Quinn Hicks and husband Steve Guptill of Portland, OR; Mary Lawrence Delbridge Hicks and her daughter Autumn DuVal Hicks of Fredericksburg, VA; Margaret Miller Delbridge and Grace Stephenson Delbridge of Goldsboro; Helen Louise Meckstroth and Carol Linnea Delbridge of Bethlehem, PA; sister Mary Elizabeth Delbridge Blalock and her deceased husband William Saunders Blalock, many nieces and nephews, and cherished friends. He was preceded in death by his parents and older sister Alice Delbridge Woodard and her husband Linwood Woodard from Conway, NC.
A private burial will be held on Friday, January 15, with The Reverend Glenn Phillips, Jr., officiating. A celebration of life at First Baptist Church will be announced at a later time.
Memorials may be made to First Baptist Church, 125 S. John St, Goldsboro, NC 27530, Stained Glass Restoration Fund or a charity of your choice.
