Howard Matthew Wease, Jr.

Howard Matthew Wease Jr, 71, of Washington, GA, passed away peacefully at his home on October 21, 2026, surrounded by his loving family.

Matt was born on March 7, 1955, in Shelby, NC. He was the son of the late Howard Wease Sr and Pollyanna Camp Wease. Matt graduated from Johnson High School in Savannah, GA. He attended Georgia Southern until he decided to join the United States Air Force. He was stationed at McDill AF base in Tampa, FL. During his time in the military, he was a mechanic on fighter jets and had the opportunity to ride reel in an F-4 Phantom. That was where his love for flying took root. After the Air Force, Matt began his career as a pilot and when he amassed enough hours, he became a commercial pilot for Eastern Airlines. After Eastern, Matt pursued a short career as a photographer. He even built a studio in his house in North Augusta, SC. As a photographer, he was hired by Frank Christian to be a photographer for the Augusta National Golf Club. He loved that. He photographed every inch of those grounds. He also was the main photographer for a few member jamborees. We wish you could see the pictures and hear the stories he had tell. We also need to mention he was an avid University of Georgia fan.

Matt returned to flying and became a flight instructor at Daniel Field in Augusta, GA. He spent many hours training new pilots. During that season of his life, he also would fly for different organizations to inspect power lines and towers. Matt’s expertise at training landed him the role of his life. He worked for Flight Safety International in Savannah, GA. He would train, re-certify, pilots on the Gulfstream aircraft. Matt was an expert at the G4, G5, G450, and his baby, the G550. He had clients for every level in those planes. He would work with many pilots at NetJets. He also trained or certified pilots for NASA, professional golfers, many “three letter entities” within the government. He was so well respected and liked, that many of his clients would send him all over the world to vacation. He worked with some of the most wealthy people in the world. That never changed Matt. He was always the same kind and gracious man.

In 2019, Matt married the love of his life, Sharon Huff Wease. They had dated in the early 1980s, but God had a plan. They reconnected in 2018. They built a wonderful life together. They started in Thunderbolt, GA. In Thunderbolt, Matt had one of his many boats. He loved the sunset cocktail cruises around the river. In 2020, Matt and Shay moved to Bloomingdale, GA until he retired from Flight Safety in 2022. The interesting happening in Bloomingdale was his two story 900 sq ft shed. It was a tiny house with water, power, a golf cart garage, and every tool that has been created. In 2023, he moved to Washington, GA, to be closer to his mother-in-law, Dot Huff. When we say close, he bought the house next door. Dot and Matt had such a special relationship. He wanted to ensure that Dot had family nearby. Matt thoroughly enjoyed his retirement in Washington, GA. He gained so many friends. He was in a monthly dinner club that he loved. Matt loved to show off his cooking skills. Every evening, he would get on his lawnmower and distribute deer corn for the neighboring deer. They also loved Matt’s generosity. They will miss Matt so very much.

Matt is survived by his wife, Shay Wease, her son Jeremy Melton and his wife Cheney; his children Howard Wease III and Shelby Wease, sister Anna Wease Seigler, brother Mark Wease, sister-in-law Candace Wease, of Bluffton, SC, his nephew Jeret Wease, his wife Jenna Wease and son Lucas Wease, of Alexandria, VA; his nieces Aubrey Wease of Orlando and Hannah Wease of Bluffton, SC. He also survived by Drew Lamas of Roswell, GA. Matt and Drew’s parents were best friends for many years. When Drew’s father passed away, Matt stepped in and mentored him and to be there for him as he grew up.

We are going to miss Matt. We could never imagine our lives without him. He will live on through his organization of everything around the house. Everything has its place and we will never forget that. We can find anything and everything, at a moments notice. One final thing, Matt made sure that no one left his house hungry. It was either sandwiches, beef tenderloin, low country boil, ribs or a pork tenderloin, oh and liver mush.

Matt, you will never be forgotten. We will continue on but there is a huge hole in our hearts.

Beggs Funeral Home, Lincolnton is honored to serve the family of Mr. Howard Matthew "Matt" Wease, Jr.