Billy Joe Matthews

Lake City Reporter Obituary Notice

Mr. Billy Joe Matthews, 78 of Lake City, passed away on Thursday, August 20, 2015 at Shands Hospital at the University of Florida in Gainesville.  He was born in Gilchrist County, Florida the sixth child of eight to the late Dudley Matthews and Ruth Clemons Matthews.  Mr. Matthews had lived most of his life in Lake City and was a member of the Lake City Church of Christ.  He was a 1955 graduate of Georgia Christian High School in Dasher, Georgia, he attended the Harding College in in Searcy, Arkansas and was a veteran of the United States Navy.   In high school and college he enjoyed playing basketball and baseball and while in the Navy he enjoyed boxing.  He loved Florida Gator sports especially football.  Mr. Matthews was a very good cook and loved to cook for his family and friends.  He was preceded in death by three brothers, JB Matthews, Gene Matthews and Lamar Matthews and two sisters, Juanita Roberts and Jeanette Cannon. 

Survivors include his wife of 55 years, Donna Matthews, Lake City; one son, Clint Matthews (Patricia), Lake City; two daughters, Kim Black (Billy), Lake City and Tami Akins (Hal), Punta Gorda, FL; one brother, James Nelson Matthews, St. Petersburg, FL; and one sister, Mary Lou Hamby (Roy), Double Springs, AL.  Seven grandchildren, Mandy Floyd (Mark), McAlpin, Clint Black (Amanda), Lake City, Christian Matthews, Austin Matthews and Ryan Matthews all of Lake City, Laurie Akins and Lindsey Akins, Punta Gorda; and two great grandchildren, Baleigh Black, Lake City and Rilee Floyd, McAlpin also survive. 

Funeral services will be conducted on Monday, August 24, 2015 at 11:00 am at the First Baptist Church of Lake City with Rev. Robert Bass, pastor officiating.  Interment will follow privately at Forest Lawn Memorial Gardens Cemetery.  Visitation with the family will be one hour prior to the service from 10-11:00 am at the church.  Arrangements are under the direction of GATEWAY-FOREST LAWN FUNERAL HOME, 3596 S US Hwy 441, Lake City.  Please leave words of comfort for the family at www.gatewayforestlawn.com

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