Ronald Matthews, 78, of Ocala, FL passed away on August 22, 2021.
He was born on May 12, 1943, in Salisbury, Maryland, the son of Earl Woodrow and Louise Matthews. Ron loved living life to his fullest. He took joy in his many fishing trips around the world, his charitable golf outings with the Ocala Lions Club, he was also a huge Nascar & Gator football fan. He especially enjoyed hanging out with friends on “The Porch” at Longhorns and his “Romeo” breakfast gang. He and his wife Luanne hosted an extravagant New Year’s Eve “Eve” party for many years. He spent countless hours as a volunteer reader to kindergarteners, he also mentored four high school students for 16 years. He was a longtime member and held many offices over the years with the Ocala Lions Club and his heart was in the Silent Santa program for 22 years where he shopped and delivered gifts to thousands of area children each holiday season.
Ron attended Hialeah High School in Hialeah, FL, graduating in 1961. He served in the US Navy as a Submariner from 1961 to 1967. He was a Central Service Manager for Sears Roebuck from 1973-1994, then went on to be a Financial Advisor for Dean Witter Reynolds/Morgan Stanley from 1994-2015.
Ron will be deeply missed by his loving wife Luanne, his daughter Romi (Todd) Lessig of Austin, TX, his grandsons Matthew Lessig of Austin, TX and Luke Lessig of Dallas, TX, his step grandson Matthew Buckman of Ocala, sister Linda Adams of Floral City, FL, his step daughters Ronde (Sidney) Clevinger & Gina (Tony) Feranchek, and his many cousins, nieces, nephews and grand dogs. He was preceded in death by his father and mother and his favorite fishing partner brother-n-law Norman Adams, and his furry companions Buddy and Weiser.
Due to Covid concerns, a celebration of life for Ronald will be held at a later date. A private placement for him will be at the Florida National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to the Ocala Lions Club in Memory of Ronald Matthews.