Obituary of Donald R. Matthews

Donald R. "Don" Matthews, Sr., age 77, of Ocala, FL passed away on Saturday, November 12, 2011. He was born in Florence, SC on October 30, 1934. He was raised in Mullins, SC. Don served in the US Army. After his military service and attending the University of South Carolina Don moved to Hialeah, FL where he lived until retiring to Ocala, FL. In Miami he owned and operated Matthews Construction Co. He was a Baptist. In Ocala Don served as President of the Miniature Horse Association. He is the former owner of Flying M Ranch in Ocala. His hobbies included piloting, horses, country and western music and his pet dogs. Mr. Matthews is survived by his wife Linda "Dreda" Matthews of Ocala, FL; daughter Jan Mills of Ocala, FL; brother Hoyt Matthews of Ocala, FL; step daughter Linda Nickell of Sebring, FL; and 4 grandchildren. He was preceded in death by a son Donald R. Matthews, Jr. A visitation will be held at Hiers-Baxley Funeral Services, 910 E. Silver Springs Blvd, Ocala, FL on Tuesday, November 15, 2011 from 5-6pm. Interment will take place in South Carolina. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Diabetes Association, 1101 N Lake Destiny Rd, Suite 415, Maitland, FL 32751.