Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints. Ps 116:15

The Reverend Doctor Gradis Matthew Eggleston, Jr., 90, of Coatesville, PA, was called home to be with the Lord, surrounded by his family, on Friday, August 29, 2025, at Chester County Hospital.

Born on February 16, 1935, in Warrenton, North Carolina, he was the son of the late Gradis Eggleston, Sr. and Mamie (Alston) Eggleston. He was the oldest of seven children born to their union.

In 1937, his parents relocated to Pennsylvania and settled at 909 Coates Street with their two little boys, Gradis Jr. and William. As a young boy, "AlMatthew," as he was affectionately called, attended the historic James Adams School on the corner of 8th Avenue and Merchant Street in Coatesville, PA.

Early in the mornings before school, young Matthew delivered the Coatesville Record newspaper. His paper route extended as far as Newlinville, on the southwest end of the city. He rode his blue and white bicycle everywhere to complete his deliveries, and no one was allowed to ride that bike but him! Sometimes he brought along his younger brother William. As he grew, Matthew became a strong and handsome young man, helping his hard-working parents raise his five younger siblings, especially his baby brother, Julius.

Even as an active youth, his love for cars was evident. He enjoyed washing them and worked at Freeman's Auto. He had his heart set on owning a Ford whistle top!

He received his secondary education at Scott Senior High School in Coatesville before beginning his military career.

In 1954, he enlisted in the United States Air Force. There, he furthered his education and became a certified medic. He traveled the world and experienced life beyond Coatesville before retiring after 20 years of service. During his second decade in the Air Force, Staff Sergeant Eggleston was awarded the Air Force Commendation Medal for selflessly saving the life of another.

On August 31, 1974, Matthew retired honorably from the United States Air Force. It was a bittersweet time, as he also mourned the loss of his beloved mother, Mamie. What he didn't know was that God was preparing him for his testimony.

After returning home to Coatesville, he was reinstated at Tabernacle Baptist Church.

God placed a beautiful young woman, Alice Lewis, in his path. They courted and fell in love, and on June 5, 1976, Gradis and Alice were married at Tabernacle Baptist Church in Coatesville, PA. Together, they raised a family.

In 1979, under the watchful care of his pastor, the late Rev. Charles V. Willis, Gradis became an ordained Deacon and was later called by God to preach the Word. He preached his initial sermon in December 1980. In 1982, he was confirmed and received his license in ministry. Soon after, in 1985, he was ordained as a preacher.

Gradis began working at the Coatesville V.A. Medical Center in 1975 as a Drug and Alcohol Counselor. He retired in 1995 after a 20-year tenure.

Over the years, while raising a family, Gradis and his wife raised and cared for a total of 36 foster children. "Minister" Eggleston continued his education, earning both a Bachelor's and a Master's degree.

He served faithfully for years as an associate minister at Tabernacle Baptist Church under the tutelage of Rev. Willis. Well-groomed and newly ordained by God, "Rev. Eggleston" preached the Word with power and dedication.

He enrolled in the Full Gospel Institute, later attending Philadelphia Biblical University, where he graduated with a Bachelor of Divinity degree. He continued further by enrolling in New Life Theology, ultimately earning a Doctorate of Ministry.

In 1995, he was called to pastor the First Baptist Church of Bernardtown in South Coatesville, where he served faithfully for 18 years. In 2006, while pastoring at Bernardtown, he earned and was ceremonially awarded his Ph.D. in Divinity. Also during his pastorship, he taught at the Lancaster Bible College evening institute.

The Lord blessed Dr. Eggleston in tremendous ways. Under his shepherd's care:

– Souls were saved

– Deacons were ordained

– Ministers preached their initial sermons

– Deaconesses were trained

– New members were instructed and baptized

– Prayer meetings and Bible studies continued

– Couples were counseled before marriage

– and babies were dedicated to the Lord.

Dr. Eggleston served as President of the Ministers' Alliance of Coatesville and Vicinity for 8 years and was a member of the Salem Baptist General Association and the Delaware/ Chester and Adjoining County Sunday School Union.

On July 2, 2017, Rev. Dr. Gradis M. Eggleston, Jr. was appointed Interim Pastor of Tabernacle Baptist Church. Most recently, he was a faithful member of Holy Dove Fellowship Church.

In all that he did, God and family were foremost in his life.

Dr. Eggleston leaves a legacy of love to his devoted wife, Alice L. Eggleston; his children: Silvia (Reggie) Brown of Reading, PA, Martin Eggleston (Lanette) of Ohio, Bishop Gradis Matt Eggleston III of Coatesville, and Audra M. Eggleston of Coatesville, PA; his sisters: Clotell (Billy) Kelley of Texas and Evangelist Charlotte Parr of Thorndale, PA; brother-in-laws, the honorable Harry Lewis, Sr. ( Regina), Elder G. Steven Lewis (Emma), Gergome Lewis ( Ruth), Robert Lewis ( Willamae), Anthony Lewis, Larry Lewis, Douglas Lewis (Krista), Talmedge Lewis; sister-in laws, Audrey Woodward and Diana Lewis.

He is also survived by 10 grandchildren: Dontae, Renika, Reginald Jr., Chanel, Amber, Tori, Janeé, Jedda, Jordan, and Makaya; one bonus grandchild, I'Amina; 22 great-grandchildren; 13 great-great-grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives, and dear friends.

He was preceded in death by his brothers: Julius Eggleston, Sheldon Eggleston, and William Eggleston; his sister, Audrey Eggleston, who died at a very young age; brother-in-laws, Elder Ronald S. Parr, Glen Lewis; and sister-in-laws, Alinda J. Eggleston and Phyllis Eggleston.

A  Life Celebration Service will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, September 13, 2025, at Second Baptist Worship Center, 857 Lumber Street, Coatesville, PA 19320. A viewing will be held from 8 AM until 10:30 AM.

Click here to watch the service on YouTube.

Condolences and Resolutions

Interment will be held at Washington Crossing National Cemetery, Monday, September 15, 2025, at 10:30 AM, 830 Highland Road, Newtown, PA. Full Military Air Force honors will be observed.