February 5, 2025, 19, Seven Springs —

Matthew Bryant Whitley, age 19, of the Seven Springs area, passed away Wednesday morning, February 5, 2025, as the result of a motor vehicle accident.

Matthew was born November 22, 2005 at Wayne Memorial Hospital.  He attended Carver School in Mount Olive, Mount Olive Middle School, and Southern Wayne High School, graduating with the class of 2024.  While at Southern Wayne, he was active in athletics, playing football, was on the wrestling and track teams, and was a member of the jazz band.  He was attending Wayne Community College, pursuing an associate degree in arts in psychology.  He was employed with Wendy’s Restaurant, and attended Wayne Chapel Church of God of Prophecy.

Matt’s family will receive friends at Tyndall Funeral Home on Saturday, February 8, from 5 until 7 p.m.  His life will be remembered on Sunday, February 9, at a 2:00 p.m. service at the funeral home.  Officiating will be Bishop Ralph Parker.  He will be buried at Emmaus Baptist Church Cemetery.  The family welcomes floral tributes in honor of their loved one.

Matt is survived by his parents, Donald Whitley, Jr. and Cynthia Barwick Whitley, of the home; his siblings, to include his twin brother, Jeremy Whitley, of the home; brothers, Joshua Woodall and wife, Heather, Jeffrey Woodall and wife, Linda, all of the Seven Springs area; a sister, Jennifer Rowe and husband, Andrew, of Rosewood; and a brother, Cameron Whitley and girlfriend, Katelyn Schultz, both of Dudley; his maternal grandmother, Reba Barwick, of Seven Springs; his paternal grandparents, Vickie and Roger Johnson, of Dudley; his girlfriend, Jada Wright, of Goldsboro; six nephews, Cody, Aiden, Logan, Grayson, Caleb, and Waylin, (with another on the way); and several aunts, uncles, cousins, and many friends.

He was preceded in death by his maternal grandfather, Ralph Barwick.