Walter Mark Six
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Walter Matthew Six, George Branch, the second son of Walter Ellsworth and Gilda Gray Renfrow Six, was born June 26, 1958. He is the brother of Mark and Derek.
Matt loved family. He attended many family reunions. Matt was at the 2009 Stancil Reunion.
Matt was born on June 26, 1958, in Lexington, N.C., when Walt worked for Nationwide as an insurance adjuster. He joined older brother Mark. Twenty seven months later, younger brother Derek was born.
Matt grew up in the Springhill Community of Wilson County, North Carolina. He attended and joined Springhill Presbyterian Church. This was the church of his parents and grandparents, Graydon and Rachel Stancil Renfrow.
Matt was quite young when his grandpa, Graydon Renfrow, took him fishing in his great uncle, G.I.'s pond. There was much excitement when he pulled in his first brim. His grandpa taught him how to clean fish and his mother fried it for him. This was the first of many happy hours spent fishing with his grandpa. When Matt was older he began "cat fishing." This was a night time activity. Matt made his own bamboo pole, careful to select a strong and sturdy piece of bamboo. He used a thick line, large hook and baited it with smelly and almost rotten chicken livers. Matt never lost his love for fried catfish.
Matt developed a close friendship with Timothy "Tim" Gordon Hill while in elementary school. Tim also attended Springhill Presbyterian Church. It was years before they realized they were related. Tim was the grandson of William Moses Hill, and the great-grandson of Tempy Ann Stancil Hill, the sister of George Ira Stancil. Matt was the grandson of Rachel Stancil Renfrow, and great-grandson of George Ira Stancil, the brother of Tempy Ann Stancil Hill.
Matt and Tim must have inherited their love of joking around from their uncle, Harvey Stancil. One night they enlisted Derek's help. They told friends they had seen a ghost in the woods. Of course no one believed them, but were willing to take a look to prove them wrong. Once in the woods, Matt focused his flashlight briefly on a small eerie white figure seeming to float toward them. Predictably, they all fled in fear!
Matt played defensive end on the Rock Ridge High School football team in Lucama, N.C. He also became a Dallas Cowboys football fan. Watching them on Sunday afternoons or Monday night became an important tradition.
Matt completed one year at St. Andrews Presbyterian College, Laurinburg, N.C. He worked for the state of North Carolina painting bridges. Then he worked 15 years at Eastern Elevator Company, Wilson, N.C. Matt inspected elevators for a few years and was hired to trouble-shoot elevator mechanical problems for a time. Matt’s favorite musical group was The Grass Roots from San Francisco. He especially liked "Midnight Confessions," "Heaven Knows," "Glory Bound," and "Temptation Eyes."
Matt's movies of choice included "The Godfather," "Gettysburg," and "13th Warrior." He especially enjoyed historical movies.
During the time his mother was battling cancer, Matt was her primary caregiver. Cooking was a skill he learned by discussing cooking techniques with his mother and watching the Food network. Matt grew to love cooking and was quite good. He often credits his mother for his ability to serve a tasty meal.
On the day of his death, Matt cooked barbeque chicken, meat loaf, broccoli casserole, organic brown rice, chili to go over the rice, and made iced tea they tasted just like his mother's. He invited good friend, Tim Smith, to join him and Derek. Before dinner was over, Tim Hill stopped by for a visit. He and Matt made plans to attend the Stancil Reunion together and were discussing what they were going to cook, as well as football. When Tim left, Matt was watching the Tennessee and Oregon football game.
Matt was handy around the house, He knew how to fix electrical and plumbing problems and was a skilled carpenter. When his mom's studio was being built, he was there, helping his dad make it a reality.
Matt will be remembered for his ability to discuss any topic without dominating the conversation. He was naturally curious and had an easy going conversational style. Matt listened and accepted different points of view. He had a genuine interest in people and their ideas. He did not like controversy. Matt wanted open discussions of ideas.
Matt was an honest and spiritual person whose life reflected the "Golden Rule," learned so many years ago. "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you."
Matt died unexpectedly on Saturday, Sept. 11, 2010, at age 52 at his home.
His death was a shock. Matt had battled a toothache that was only getting worse. He planned to see the dentist on Monday. In an effort to make the pain manageable, he took a prescription drug and accidentaly exceeded the dosing limits and died as a result.
Matt is survived by his brother Derek, uncles Donald "Jimmy" Eugene Renfrow, J.G. Renfrow and wife Denise, cousins Donna Jean Renfrow Burns, husband Eric, and children Alexie Elizabeth and Nicholas Robert; Meredith Renfrow Braswell, husband Nicky, and children Thomas Michael and Rachel Denise Strother, William 'Will' Graydon Braswell; Katherine Renfrow Williams, husband Steve, and children Abigail Katherine and Katrina 'Katie' Gray; Harold's first wife Linda Renfrow, cousins Lisa Fay Renfrow Fisher, husband Sanford, daughter Michelle Faye; cousin Michelle Rachel Renfrow Smith, husband Tim, and son Joey Lane Pope; cousin Vincent Thomas Renfrow, wife Misty, and children Mackenzie Elizabeth and Kayla Jeanine.
Matt was preceded in death by his parents, Walt and Gilda Gray Renfrow Six; brother Walter Mark Six; uncle Harold Thomas Renfrow; aunt Elizabeth Anna "Isabel" Gorski Renfrow; grandparents, Graydon and Rachel Stancil Renfrow.
A graveside service was at the Springhill Church Cemetery, Lucama, N.C. Matt was buried beside his older brother Mark.
Derek's heart is filled with sadness for the loss of Matt's company and also with love for the brother who stood with him as they buried their dad, a brother, mother and favorite uncle.
Reflecting on Matt's life, Derek treasures their laughter, brotherly love and unwavering support.