Donald William Matchett

MATCHETT Donald William Matchett, 72, passed away Friday, September 12, 2003. He was born in Miami, FL. on October 7, 1930, and graduated from Miami High in 1948 as an honors student and athlete. Playing offensive and defensive tackle on Miami Highs 1946 and 1947 State Championship teams, he was an All-City first team selection and inducted into Miami Highs Hall of Fame in 2001. He attended Rollins College on a football scholarship, was a member of Sigma Nu Fraternity and Omicron Delta Kappa leadership fraternity, and graduated in 1952 with a B.A. Degree. He entered the U. S. Navy, served on the USS Healy destroyer during the Korean War, and following his tour of duty, remained active in the Navy Reserves until retiring in 1983 with the rank of captain. He moved to Jacksonville in 1956 and began his career with Prudential Insurance Company as a pioneer employee in the South Central Home Office. He earned distinction as a Chartered Life Underwriter (CLU), and was a District Manager upon his retirement in 1986. He was a member of Arlington United Methodist Church and lived a life devoted to family and community. He served as a youth baseball coach for many years, enjoyed golfing and bowling as hobbies, and was both adept and generous in performing all types of projects for family, friends, and neighbors. He had a lifelong passion and respect for the ocean, and enjoyed fishing and boating, especially in the Florida Keys. In his last six years, he battled the effects of disease with courage and an indefatigable spirit that testified to many. He is preceded in death by his parents, John and Fannie Matchett; and by his brother, Jack Matchett. Survivors are his wife of 50 years, Carol McKechnie Matchett; sons, Stephen, and wife, Jody, of St. Marys, GA, Kirk, and wife, Lyn, of St. Augustine, Scott, and ex-wife, Kim, of Jacksonville, David, and wife, Jacqui, of Atlantic Beach; sister-in-law, Gloria Matchett of Buffalo, NY; 14 grandchildren, Jayme Stevens, Jennifer McGuire (Billy), Caroline, Michael-Ann, Amy, Miranda, Natalie, Alex, Emily, Trey, Katelyn, Melissa, Stacey, Grace; 3 great grandchildren, Ivy, Will, Miriah; and devoted caregivers Stan and Bobbi Batten, and Karen Allen. A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, September 17, 2003, 11:00AM, at Arlington United Methodist Church, with Captain John Haney, USN Retired, and Reverend Rusty Belcher officiating. In lieu of flowers, please consider performing a random act of kindness. Please sign the Guestbook at Jacksonville.com