Matthew Whitehead, 50, entered the gates of heaven dancing and singing on Nov. 7, 2024.
He was born June 27, 1974, to Kenneth and Linda Moore Whitehead. He was a graduate of Madison County High School.
Matthew loved being outside, spending time on the family farm and riding side-by-side with his Daddy. Despite the limitations Matthew was born with, he lived a full, happy life. He enjoyed serving at the soup kitchen with the Seventh Day Adventist at the First Baptist Church in Athens.
Matthew’s eyes would light up when he arrived at ESP in Watkinsville. We learned so much from Matthew. We learned life lessons in patience, kindness and perseverance to name a few. To know Matthew was to love him.
In addition to his Mother, Matthew is preceded in death by his grandparents Reece and Myra Whitehead and Dennis “Foots” and Evie Lee “Bootie” Moore.
Matthew is survived by his father and Nelida Lizardi, his second Mom, caregiver for 25 plus years and best friend, his brothers Mike (Allison) Whitehead, Lee (Sadie) Brown, and Ray (Suzanne) Brown, and his sister Melissa (Jimmy) Yarbrough.
He leaves behind his nieces and nephews: Will (Caroline) and Madeline Whitehead, Drew and Audrey Brown, Kaylee Brown, Cory and Harlee Yarbrough, Tyler Wright, Audrey Blumenshine, and special family friends Irene Shupe, and Michael and Anja Cleveland.
Pallbearers are Chris Tamplin, Stanley Wymbs, Chip Gray, Cory Clements, Russ Moon and Brad Moon.
Matthew will be deeply missed by those he leaves behind, and his impact on the lives of those who knew him will not be forgotten.
The family would like to thank Brown Health and Rehabilitation in Royston for their exceptional care for Matthew, with an extra special thank you to Janet Dryman.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Madison County High School CBI program or ESP in Watkinsville at espyouandme.org.
Lord & Stephens Funeral Homes, Danielsville is in charge of arrangements.