Matthew Joseph Hunter

Matthew Joseph Hunter, 23, passed away on Wednesday, August 31, 2023. He was born in Gainesville, Florida on May 9, 2000. He was the eldest of two children to Alan J. Hunter and Pamela J. Hunter.

Matthew graduated with honors from Columbia High School in 2018. He was involved in student government and served as Student Body President his senior year. He was also a member of the Academic Team. 

Matthew attended the University of Florida from 2018 to 2022, receiving his Bachelor of Science in Sport Management. While attending UF, he worked as a student equipment manager for the Florida Gators football team. He treasured his time spent on the sidelines of the Spurrier-Florida Field on game day. 

Upon graduation, Matthew returned to Lake City. He worked as a supply chain associate for Fastenal while pursuing a career in sports management with a NFL team. 

In his spare time, he enjoyed rooting for the Jacksonville Jaguars, exercising with his brother, and critiquing the latest films at the movie theater. He loved writing short films and scripts. 

Matthew was strong-willed and steadfast in his ways, and he had an enormous heart and wonderful sense of humor. He had an inviting personality that made him a joy to be around. He was clever and full to the brim with knowledge from the countless movies he watched. He was witty and fun loving. Matthew was a gift from God.

Matthew is predeceased in death by his grandparents, W. L. Hunter, Beverly Grantham Hunter, Al Knapp, and Betty Knapp. 

Matthew is survived by his parents, brother, Jonathan, and fiancée, Loegan Hingson. He is also survived by his uncles and aunts, Glenn Hunter (Laura), Wiley Hunter (Gayle), Linda Hunter Butler (Art), Mark Hunter (Marilyn), and Joey Knapp (Maria), and great aunt, Faye Hunter. 

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, September 5, 2023 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Gateway-Forest Lawn. A funeral service will be held on Wednesday, September 6, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. at Gateway-Forest Lawn Chapel with Pastor Eddie Blalock of The Orchard Community Church and Pastor James Richardson of Spring Hill United Methodist Church officiating. Interment will immediately follow.

The family requests in lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial gift to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or Lake City Humane Society, 1392 NW Shelter Glen, Lake City, Florida 32055. 

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, September 5, 2023 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Gateway-Forest Lawn. A funeral service will be held on Wednesday, September 6, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. at Gateway-Forest Lawn Chapel with Pastor Eddie Blalock of The Orchard Community Church and Pastor James Richardson of Spring Hill United Methodist Church officiating. Interment will immediately follow.

The family requests in lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial gift to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or Lake City Humane Society, 1392 NW Shelter Glen, Lake City, Florida 32055. 

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