Matthew David Herndon, 42, originally from North Carolina, passed away on Wednesday, July 29, 2026.

A memorial service to honor Matthew’s life will be held at 3 p.m. on Sunday, August 16, 2026, at Church of the Nativity, 8849 Ray Road, Raleigh, NC 27613. The family invites you to join them for a reception in the Parish Hall following the service.

Matthew was the son of Mary Hillmer and David Herndon. He lived a life filled with a love for family, cherished friendships, and passions that brought him joy.

Matthew was employed by Roush Enterprises, where he was a valued colleague and friend. His coworkers thought the world of him, and he formed many meaningful relationships throughout his career.

Matthew had a lifelong passion for cars and enjoyed learning about them, working on them, and sharing that enthusiasm with others. He loved traveling and creating memories through new experiences and adventures. One of his lifelong dreams was to visit all seven continents, a reflection of his curiosity and appreciation for the world around him.

He had a special place in his heart for his cats, Chicken, Dinky/Doodle, and Major Hambone Hugetail. They were a constant source of comfort, companionship, and unconditional love.

Above all, Matthew treasured his family and friends and found great happiness in spending time with those he loved.

He is survived by his wife, Deb Herndon; his mother, Mary Hillmer; his father, David Herndon, and stepmother, Linda Herndon; his sister, Anna Starcala (Jon); his stepbrother, Robert Cunningham (Hannah); his cherished niece and three nephews; and his aunts, Lisa Westbay (Steve) and Nancy Hillmer.

Matthew was embraced as one of the family by Phyllis and Gerald Renfrow; Ryan Renfrow (Morgan Heflin); and Erica Cosentino (Keith), whose love, friendship, and unwavering support meant so much to him throughout his life.

Matthew will be remembered for his kind heart, loyalty, sense of humor, and the genuine care he showed to others. He touched the lives of many family members, friends, and coworkers, and his memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.

Though our hearts are broken by his loss, we find comfort in the memories he leaves behind, the journeys he took, the friendships he built, and the love he shared so freely.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Safe Haven for Cats, safehavenforcats.org or via mail at 8431-137 Garvey Drive, Raleigh, NC 27616.

Family and friends are welcome to submit online condolences at www.mundenfuneralhome.net

Arrangements by Munden Funeral Home and Crematory, Morehead City, NC.