Matthew Scott Fondren

Matthew Scott Fondren, 55, of Metter, GA passed away on August 16, 2026, in Statesboro after a brief illness.

He was born on May 5, 1971, in Newport News, Virginia and returned to Candler County as a young child. He went on to spend most of his adult life in the area, both for work and as a father.

He will be remembered as a tireless worker and someone who worked hard to help others find hope, purpose, and a better path forward.

Scott had a heart for helping people, particularly those navigating some of life’s most difficult seasons. He was passionate about guiding others toward the ministry and used his own journey and experiences to encourage those who were struggling. His willingness to share his story openly and honestly impacted many lives, offering hope to others and reminding them that their past did not have to define their future.

That commitment to serving others was reflected in his work with Angels in Flight Recovery Center, where Scott previously served as both a board member and team leader. He invested his time and, more importantly, his heart into supporting those working toward recovery and rebuilding their lives. He fought hard to help them succeed.

Scott was also incredibly hardworking and determined. In recent years, his work ethic led him to build a successful business where he employed several friends and family members, highlighting his passion to create something of his own that also benefited others.

He will be missed dearly by all who loved him.

He was preceded in death by his father, Bill Fondren of Metter, maternal grandparents, Theodore and Myrtice Sheppard of Metter, paternal grandparents, Willie and Emma Fondren of Starkville, MS, and father-in-law Jerry Rigdon.

He is survived by his wife Tonya Fondren of Metter; children Justin Whiddon of Tennille, Veronica Fondren of Sevierville, TN, Randi Fondren of Metter, Zachary Fondren of Metter; Alan Carnes of Metter, Taylor (Andrew) Carnes of Macon; loving parents Carole and Lawrence Jarriel of Metter; mother-in-law June Rigdon of Metter; grandchildren Jobe Whetsell, Jensen Whetsell, Jade Whetsell, Hays Fondren, Peyton Fondren, Zach Prevatte, Jordan Prevatte, Connor Toth, and Elliana Kirk; siblings Jason (Jessica) Fondren of Springfield, Stephanie Fondren of Metter, Mandy (Justin) Frazier of Claxton, Garrod (Heather) Collins - the cousin who was more like a brother - of Summerville, SC, Jeff Lanier of Swainsboro, and special sister Gail Gay of Metter; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

The family will receive visitors on Wednesday, August 19, 2026, from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at Wood Funeral Home in Metter.

A funeral service will be held Thursday, August 20, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. at Open Door Worship Center in Metter with Rev. Michael Williams, and Rev. Lawrence Jarriel officiating. A graveside service will follow at Lake Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be Carl McDaniel, Garrod Collins, Andrew Toth, Travis Williams, Austin Seckinger, Shawn Kimsey, Nate Taylor, Joel Taylor, Kevin Kimsey, and Jerry Jackson.

Honorary pallbearers will be Penny Campbell, Brian Brown, Christy Brown, Fred Bowen, Brett Collins, Tony Brown, Garrette Bland, and Skylar Bland, all of whom further the outreach of the Outside the Walls ministry.