LTC Walter Larry Matthews, USAF, Ret., of Panama city, FLa., died on May 17, 2024 in St Augustine, Fla. He was born at Americus, Ga., on July 28, 1941 and spent his youth growing up in Perry, Ga. He attended Marion Military Institute, graduated from The Citadel, received his masters degree from Chapman University and was a graduate of the Industrial College of the Armed Forces. He retired from the Air Force in 1983 after 20 years as a master navigator with more than 6,000 flying hours and 211 combat missions in Vietnam, primarily in the KC-135 Stratotanker. He received numerous decorations, including the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Air Medal with seven oak leaf clusters, the Meritorious Service Medal with oak leaf cluster and the Air Force Commendation Medal with two oak leaf clusters. After his retirement he served as the senior Air Force JROTC instructor at Rutherford High School in Springfield, Fla., retiring in 2003. As an educator, he was recognized three times in Who’s Who Among American Teachers and was twice named an outstanding Air Force JROTC instructor. He was a master Mason, a member of the Air Force Association, the Military Officers Association of America, and the Disabled American Veterans Post 17. He was a member of the Parker United Methodist Church in Parker, Fla.
He is survived by his wife, Carol Matthews; a son, Michael Matthews (Angel); a daughter, Melissa Matthews Holt (Farrett); grandchildren, Ryleigh Holt and Gavin Holt and brothers, Chris and Ray Matthews.
In lieu of flowers the family request donations to Community Hospice of Southeast Florida, https://thefoundationcares.org/give/
St. Johns Family Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.