Matthew B. Greenwell

Pensacola - January 16, 1954 - July 7, 2018 Pensacola native Matthew B. Greenwell passed away on Saturday, July 7. However, as a lifelong fan of fantasy, science fiction and superhero mythology, Matt (as he was known to family and friends) would prefer to see it as making the "jump to light speed" and moving on to another dimension. He would not want any sorrow at this transition and would wish for everyone to "Live long and prosper."

A member of the Pensacola High School Class of 1973, Matt went on to study at Pensacola Junior College, where he was a member of the school's award-winning debate and forensics team. Much of his youth was occupied by the pursuit of athletic excellence and Matt excelled in powerlifting, bodybuilding and basketball.

Though born in Pensacola and ultimately drawn back to his hometown later in life, Matt spent many years in the Los Angeles area pursuing a career in the film and television industry. He appeared in several major motion pictures and national commercials and maintained membership in the Screen Actors Guild (SAG). It was also during this time that Matt developed into a professional-level website designer.

Matt's last position was with Pensacola's Northeast YMCA where he was particularly happy to utilize his skills in the areas of landscaping and grounds maintenance. He had a rare talent for making things grow, as evidenced not only in job-related tasks, but also in the exceptional appearance of his personal property. Matt's home was surrounded by plants and trees and his lawn was the envy of neighbors. He described his property as his own little "Shire," drawing that name from the verdant Hobbit homeland made famous in J.R.R. Tolkien's novels. Matt passed away in his home with those green, growing things he loved so much just beyond the walls - life growing onward from nurturing hands now at rest.

Matt was a visionary who saw the world the way it could and should be and never wavered from his convictions. He will be missed by all who knew him and loved the unique personal spirit he represented.

Matt was preceded in death by his parents, Barry Tyler Greenwell Jr. and Audrey de la Rua Greenwell.

Matt is survived by his sisters, Sharon Rigsby (Terry), Chula King (Chris), and Nancy Lewis (Terry) and brothers Barry Tyler Greenwell III, Tommy Greenwell (Denise) and 16 nieces and nephews. He is also survived by lifelong friends, Andy Metzger and Steve Mansfield.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by the Pensacola News Journal on Jul. 15, 2018.

Memories and Condolences
for Matthew Greenwell

Sponsored by Family-Funeral & Cremation - Pensacola.

12 Entries

Michael Thomas

July 10, 2022

Seems very odd seeing this pop up today. I recall any fond memories of growing up with Matt here in Pensacola and am reminded of the shock and sadness I felt when a common friend, Terry called and shared the news of his ending.

Still missed? Certainly. Rest well.

Paolo Lorant

July 9, 2022

4 years already that you are gone, my beloved Brotherly Friend Matthew, but it feels like yesterday, and time will not diminish how much you are missed.
The photo I attached I know he was very proud of, so here it is, to show a professional side of him. Anything else I already wrote a year ago, which I would simply repeat. Rest in Peace, dearest Matt!

Paolo Lorant

July 9, 2021

3 years ago, on July 7th, 2018, my beloved Brotherly Friend Matthew Greenwell, untimely and unexpectedly, passed away. Besides joking around like kids pretty often, like in this picture, we also had very serious conversations just about everything. I used to call him the "Prophet of IT'S ME TV", which was a pre-YouTube project we worked on, with great anticipation. He was some kind of a prophet, like a truly wise man, who could give you sensible advice just about any subject, besides having a keen sense of the future that awaits humanity, in so many aspects. And today, just so happens, I miss his advice and sense of humor more than ever. Love & Light always, my dear Brother Matt!
(Same as posted on my FB page on 07-07-2021)

Wayne Klemme

July 18, 2018

I just heard the news today, and I am absolutely heart broken. It was an honor to have met you and to have helped you work on your home. You were one of the most interesting and genuine people I have ever met. You always had such amazing stories, or knowledge to share with me and anyone else around. You were such a kind man and you have left this world much too soon. I will never forget you, I know I was unable to make it to some of the events you hosted at your home. I am so saddened I didn't make it to your house warming party and thanksgiving party. I kept thinking "I'll make it to the next one!" You always were so full of positivity and gratitude for life, and I'm sure you are in heaven now smiling down on us! I am so sorry for your family and everyone who knew you, and hope they are able to stay strong through the grief of your passing. God bless you Matt and Matt's family. I am so happy to have gotten to know you.

Paolo Lorant

July 17, 2018

My heartfelt condolences to the whole Family: our Matt was one of the best people I had in my life, truly as a brother in spirit! I'll miss him forever! God's blessings to all!

The 3 Knights (of Malta) & 3 Amigos: Rodney Allen Rippy, dear Matt & Paolo Lorant

Paolo Lorant

July 17, 2018

It is with shock and disbelief that just shortly ago I found out, through our common friend Leslie Mauldin, that my dearest Brotherly Friend Matt has passed away. He has been my best friend forever, dearest among my dearest friends. We met back in 1989. You'll be dearly missed for the rest of my life, my beloved Brother Matthew, whom I also had the honor to Knight as Knight of Malta. I never called you so, nor you would expect anybody to do so, but you are truly Sir Matthew Greenwell, truly noble at heart! Rest in peace in God's embrace, my dear dear friend, whom I also called often the "Prophet of IT'S ME TV"! Your humanity, wit and genius combined will always stay in my heart, mind and soul!

Leslie Mauldin

July 17, 2018

I am, although I know Matty, as I called him, would chide me for this - deeply saddened to hear that he is not longer with us. He was a bright light in my life in Los Angeles, and I don't think I ever laughed that much or that hard with anyone else! He was my roommate for a few years, and though we each later moved away from LA, and lost touch for awhile, several months ago I received a call from Matty, and we talked for 4 hours, reminiscing about great times, hard times, and everything in between. I am so very grateful for the talks that we shared during what I didn't realize would be his last few months here with us, and I send my most heartfelt condolences to his family and friends. Matt was a beautiful person, and I'll say this - wherever you are dear friend, live long and prosper - I love you.

Steve Cash

July 17, 2018

See you in heaven!

Hope Gibson

July 15, 2018

I just heard the news. I'm so very sorry to hear of your loss. Please know my thoughts are with you during this difficult time.

Michael Thomas

July 15, 2018

Nicely written and it sums up a life well lived with a great many friends who will miss him. I should say - well with a great deal of fun as well!

Linda Mc

July 13, 2018

I'm so sorry to hear of your loss. May the fond memories of your loved one sustain your family at this time. May you also receive comfort from what is stated at 1 Peter 5:6,7.

July 12, 2018

Our condolences to the family. May God fulfill his promise of binding up the brokenhearted. Isa 61:1.

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