Obituary of Ralph O. Mathews

Ralph O. Mathews, 78, of Auburndale entered into Heaven to be with our Lord and Savior on Sunday, February 16, 2014 at Winter Haven Hospital due to heart failure. Born August 23, 1935 in Sun City, FL, he graduated from Wimauma High School in 1953. He was a veteran of the US Navy. He was actively involved with the churches he attended and was currently a member of the Auburndale Community Church. He enjoyed coaching Little League Baseball and Football in Auburndale for many years and retired from TECO after 37 years of service. He is survived by: his wife, Carolyn Mathews; his sons, Johnny Mathews of Lakeland, Henry Mathews and his wife Sharon of Darien, GA, Wesley Mathews and his wife Shellie of Auburndale, and Paul Mathews and his wife April of Auburndale; his grandchildren, Paul Mathews, Jr., Tyler Mathews, Austin (Madison) Mathews, Hannah Mathews, DeWayne Martin, Michelle Harrell, Kelli Harrell, Heather Mathews (Elizabeth Balderas), Christopher (Candice) Mathews, Cody Roberts, Amber Mathews, Brittany Abbott, and Seasons (Omar)Avila; 12 great-grandchildren; and longtime family friends, Renee Williams, Kellie Longtin and Vickey Pettus. The family will receive friends from 5:00pm till 7:00pm, Thursday, February 20, 2014 at Oak Ridge Funeral Care in Winter Haven. Funeral Services will be at 10:00am, Friday, February 21, 2014 in the funeral home chapel. Interment will follow at Auburndale Cemetery. Condolences may be sent at www.oakridgefuneralcare.com