HUNDREDS turned out to pay their last respects to a popular former pub landlord and beloved family man.
The funeral service of ex-Sefton Arms landlord Matty Williams was held at Birchley St Mary’s Church in Billinge on Friday morning, which was packed out by mourners.
The procession was then driven past the Sefton pub to applause in Matty’s honour.
Matty’s hearse bore flowers spelling out the words ‘Dad’ ‘Son’ and ‘Maza’, with pub-related floral tributes also included.
Matty was at the helm at the Sefton for 22 years during which it became a popular venue in the town centre's drinking scene.
He was also an organiser of the Westfield Street Music Festival, which brought a jamboree of live music to St Helens town centre venues in recent years and was a chairman of the St Helens Pub Watch scheme.
Matty died on May 3, aged 53 after a brave battle with bowel cancer, following a diagnosis in September last year. Those he leaves behind include wife Nicole and three sons.
Ahead of the service, Matty’s coffin was carried into the St Mary’s Church to entrance hymn How Great Thou Art before a welcome from St Mary’s priest Father Paul Harris.
'He gave his heart and soul to the Sefton'
Following readings, Matty’s brother Adam gave a eulogy to the congregation.
He said there are “so many superlatives to describe him” and called him “an amazing brother”.
Matty was said to be a “talented guy and great at everything he put his mind to”.
It was said “the hospitality industry was what Matty had in the blood”.
Matty was described as a man of “charisma and massive popularity” who “gave all his heart and soul” to the Sefton.
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Adam added how “despite the devastating news” of Matty’s diagnosis, he stayed “positive about the future” and showed “strength of character and bravery”.
Fr Harris said the “size of the congregation shows the kind of person Matty was”.
Reflecting on the eulogy Father Paul said how the common strand was “love”, adding “there is lots to give thanks for today.”
He added: “Death hasn’t got the last word, love has the last word.”
Bidding prayers were said and hymn All Things Bright & Beautiful was sang.
Following a final commendation, recessional music You’ll Never Walk Alone was sang by Danielle Thomas.
After the service, Matty’s hearse departed the church and was driven past The Sefton pub, before heading to Greenacres, in Rainford.
A celebration of Matty’s life took place at St Mary’s Social Club, in Billinge following the funeral.
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