José Orlando Matus

1939 - 2026

José Orlando Matus
September 21, 1939 -
February 8, 2026
José Orlando Matus, 86, died on Sunday, Feb. 8 2026 in Gainesville Georgia.
He was born on September 21, 1939 in Belize City, British Honduras to Francisco Arturo Matus and Hilaria Primativa Burgos Matus. He graduated St. John's College, Belize City and then Loyola University, New Orleans, LA with a B.S. in Business Administration. Orlando married Marie Shelley Nix February 18, 1967 in New Orleans. He owned and operated Matus Brothers Brewery and Soft Drink Bottling Co. in Belize City until he retired. While living in Belize he also served on the British Governor's Public Service Commission. He was deeply devoted to his Catholic faith and his family and proud of his Belizean heritage. He cherished time with his children and grandchildren.
He is preceded in death by his parents and one brother, Rene Juan Matus. He is survived by his wife Shelley Matus, his four children Nicole Marie Doughty (Tony), José Orlando (Pep) Matus, Francisco Miguel (Francis) Matus (Beth Ann Parker) and Marie Melodia (Melo) York (Ricky Matthew); his siblings Arturo Ismael Matus, Yolda Vilma Binnion, Roque Mario Matus, Adelaida Edith MacLaren, and Gonzalo Francisco Matus; his twelve grandchildren Zachary Allyn Danjean, Nina Marie Matus, Sadie Nicole Matus, John Christopher Matus, Genevieve Frances Matus, Bishop Luke Matus, Jacob Miguel Matus, Nicholas Parker Matus, Ethan Francis Matus, Daniel Paul Matus, Aidan Cole York and Caleesi Melodia York, and twenty five nieces and nephews.
The family greatly appreciates the loving care given to Orlando for the last five years by Nayna Parikh, Stacy Maddox and the staff at Beehive Homes of Gainesville and for their exceptional kindness and care during his final days.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to the Society of St. Vincent de Paul (St. Michael Conference), 1440 Pearce Circle, Gainesville GA 30501.