Matthew Benjamin Delk was born on November 14, 1997 in Henry County, Georgia.  As a young boy, Matthew's smile and laughter would light up any room.  He was quick to share a hug.  In fact, Matthew always gave great hugs!  He and his sister enjoyed being together.  She was his hero.

Matthew loved sports!  He grew up playing community baseball and football.  Many afternoons and evenings his family made their way to the ball field to watch him play.  After he graduated from Ola High School in 2016, Matthew joined the workforce.  He was known as a responsible and dependable employee.  He had a strong work ethic that earned the respect of those he worked with as well as his employers.

Matthew joined the United States Air Force in 2017 where he served as a Tactical Aircraft Maintenance Journeyman.  While stationed in England, he took advantage of his opportunity to travel.  He visited Italy, Ireland and Scotland.  He later deployed to Jordan.  After his time in Jordan, he returned to the United States to be stationed at Eglin Air Force Base.  Having concluded his tenure with the Air Force Matthew joined the Tennessee Air National Guard and continued his education at Middle Tennessee State University.

Matthew loved being outdoors.  An accomplished fisherman, he loved nothing better than being out on the lake.  Hunting season often found him in a tree stand in the woods. However, nothing was more important to Matthew than his family and friends.  He was always intentional about keeping in touch no matter how far away he was from those he loved.  What a gift it was to receive a letter from Matthew!

Matthew is a loving son and has always been proud of his parents.  He is the baby brother of a sister he adored.  He is the uncle to two perfect nieces.  Matthew was surrounded by a large, extended family and too many friends to count.  And yet, there were moments when he felt completely alone.

Matthew left this world on April 1, 2022.  His death has devastated everyone.  There are so many questions left unanswered.  So many broken hearts.  But there are also multitudes of memories that will never be taken away.

His life and his death have taught us how important it is to be intentional with our relationships.  And that includes the relationship we have with ourselves.  It is healthy to value ourselves.  It is healthy to care for ourselves.  It is important to share our struggles with other people.  We are not meant to carry the burdens of life alone.  Indeed, he was surrounded by the love of each one of us.  More importantly, our Matthew was wrapped in the arms of His Savior, Jesus Christ.

Let us remember our precious Matthew as we honor him and celebrate his life by taking better care of ourselves.  I know he wants that for each of us. Let's begin by showing as much grace to ourselves as we do others.  Let's be intentional with all of our relationships.  Let's make it our goal to learn to care for ourselves as we care for others.

Matthew is survived by his parents, Jimmy and Marsha Delk; sister and her family, Megan, Chase, Margot and Florence Kersey; many aunts, uncles and a multitude of cousins, as well as his High School, Work and Air Force Families.

A celebration of life will be held Saturday, May 21, 2022 at Sharon Baptist Church, 571 North Ola Road, McDonough, GA 30252. Everyone is invited to stay for food and fellowship immediately following the service. Please come casually dressed. Atlanta Brave attire appreciated.

In lieu of flowers please consider making a donation to The Gary Sinise Foundation Avalon Network.