MSG Albert Yuji Matsui, US Army (Ret.), 82, of Columbia, died on Friday, October 25, 2024. Born on November 17, 1941, in Hilo, Hawaii, he was the son of the late Yutaka Matsui and the late Shinako Matsui.

During his 22 -year career, MSG Matsui served in the Vietnam War, was posted in South Korea, Germany and numerous stateside assignments. He was decorated with the Legion of Merit for his service.

Al, as he was referred to by friends and family, went back to school upon his retirement from the Army, getting his Associates in Arts in Business Management from Midlands Technical College, Columbia, SC. He worked a few jobs, ultimately deciding that being an entrepreneur would give him the best options for success. He found a shop that was for sale, learned to be a cobbler and opened Decker Shoe Repair and Alterations with his wife. The shop was a successful small business ultimately closing it's doors after serving the community for 27 years.
An avid fisherman, he spent many days out on the water or along the bank with friends and family. Aside from fishing, he loved collecting stamps and coins, photography and film, and in his later years he enjoyed birdwatching, especially the hummingbirds in his yard. He also enjoyed watching sports and loved Gamecock Football. The one thing that he loved most of all was having his family around, especially for a special occasion or holiday.

He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Chong Cha (Charlie) Matsui; son, George Matsui (Stacy) of Lexington, SC; daughters, Patricia Osborne of Columbia, SC, and Elizabeth Cox (Patrick) of Lithia, FL; two sisters, Norma Jean Tamashiro, and Sally Anne Scott (Lionel) and 9 grandchildren, Alexander Cox, Joshua Cox (Taylor), Isabella Cox, Rebekah Cox, Audrey Osborne, Abigail Osborne, Andrew Osborne, Kathryn Matsui, and Sophia Matsui, and 3 great grandchildren, Julia Cox, Zoe Cox and Margot Cox.

In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by a brother-in-law, Ronald Tamashiro.

The funeral service for MSG Matsui will be held at 11:00 o'clock, Friday, November 8th at Shives Funeral Home, Trenholm Road Chapel, 7600 Trenholm Road Ext., Columbia, SC. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service starting at 10 o'clock for family and friends to gather. Burial with full military honors will follow the service at 1 o'clock at Fort Jackson National Cemetery, 4170 Percival Rd., Columbia, SC.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made to Disabled American Veterans, 860 Dolwick Drive, Erlanger, KY 41018 in memory of MSG Albert Yuji Matsui.

Shives Funeral Home, Trenholm Road Chapel, is assisting the family.