Sgt. S. Matthew Baynard

NAPLES — Sgt. S. Matthew Baynard, 23, of Naples, died on Sunday, July 22, 2012 at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington State.

A native of Henderson County he lived in Naples for 18 years, graduating from Heritage Hall International School before deciding to serve and defend our country in the United States Army.

He was a veteran of Operation Iraqi Freedom, a member of Army Airborne Reconnaissance Special Forces, Charlie Company, 3rd Squadron, 38th Calvary Regiment, 201st Battlefield Surveillance Brigade, I Corp. He was awarded the Army Achievement Medal, the Army Good Conduct Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, the Iraq Campaign Medal with two Bronze Stars, the Army Service Ribbon, an Overseas Service Ribbon, two overseas bars, Airborne Wings and an Expert Marksmanship badge.

He was of the Baptist faith and a member at Oak Forest Baptist Church. He loved to go fishing, his dogs, his family and the Carolina Tar Heels! He was a five time All-American wrestler, belonging to the Strong & Courageous Wrestling Club in Hendersonville.

He is survived by his loving wife, Katie Chalker Baynard of Puyallup, WA; his son, Winston Baynard of the home; his parents, S. Randall Baynard and Cheryl Sinyard Baynard of Naples; his sister, Zebbi Baynard Sampler and her husband, Jason, of Naples and his brother Alec Baynard of the home. He is also survived by his Mamaw Jerry, his Poppy Harold Myers, his Gramma Judy, his Popa K.W. Wright, his Gramma Lou Baynard, his Mamaw Nina, his Papaw C. Don Reynolds; his aunt Cheree and uncle Mat Tallant, his aunt April Baynard; his nephews, Rome and Farris; his nieces, Adrienne and Ava; his cousins, Cody, Tyler and Jace Myers, Autumn and Jayde Tallant.

He had a contagious smile and will be truly missed by all that knew and loved him.

A funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. Tuesday, July 31, 2012, at Naples Baptist Church with the Rev. Paul B. Chandler. Jr and the Rev. Richard Merck officiating. Burial will follow at Shepherd Memorial Park. The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Monday, July 30, 2012, at Thos. Shepherd's Church Street Chapel. A memorial service will be held at Joint Base Lewis-McChord with service information being announced at a later date.

A register book is available online for family and friends by visiting www.thosshepherd.com.

Thos. Shepherd & Son Funeral Directors is in charge of arrangements.