Wilmer L. “Wimpy” Mathews, 90, of Lake Placid, Florida (formerly of Palmetto and Bradenton, Florida), passed peacefully at home on Friday August 10th, after a long battle with cancer. Born in Soperton, Georgia on April 20, 1928 to Charles E. and Velma (Braddy) Mathews, he married his wife of 68 years, Pearl Bonita (Armstrong) on October 15, 1950, not long before being drafted into the United States Army and being deployed to serve in the Korean War, assigned to “L” Company, 180th Infantry, 45th Division “THUNDERBIRDS” when he was critically wounded while on a night patrol on May 1, 1952. Wilmer served from 1953 to 1956 as a Store Manager for Winn Dixie at stores in Sebring and Bradenton. In August 1956, he took a part time position with the United States Postal Service and retired after 30 years and 6 days of dedicated service as Post Master of the Oneco, Florida Post Office in August 1986.
Wilmer was a devoted and loving Husband, Father, Grand Father, Great Grand Father, Brother and Uncle. He is survived by Bonita, his loving wife of 68 years, a daughter Sandra B. Walker of Lake Placid, sons Wilmer Lanier Mathews, II of Tallahassee and Arnold Ty (Amy Beth) Mathews of Meridian Mississippi, sisters Myra Rich (Edmond) Maurice of Bradenton and Joann Mitchell of Baltimore, Maryland numerous Grand Children and Great Grand Children, Nephews and Nieces. He was preceded in death by his parents, three sisters Juanita Redfield of Sarasota, Latha Dreager of Bradenton, Ruby “Peggy” Wiederkehr of Bradenton and a brother Dallas Mathews of Bradenton.
He was an avid hunter and fisherman who loved the woods and water and he took the time to share his passion, knowledge and skills for these and other outdoor activities with his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. During his retirement, he loved being on Lake Istapoga at first light during the week catching bass and was known for leaving the weekends on the lake for working people to fish. Besides an active family life, Wilmer was a devoted servant of the lord. He served for many years as a Deacon and Sunday School Teacher in the Braden River Baptist Church and the Coach/Manager of the Church’s softball team. He later moved his church membership to Palm View Baptist Church, before permanently moving to Lake Placid. He was also active in service organizations. He was a founding member and officer of the Highlands County Lakes Association, Inc., dedicated to the protection and preservation of lakes in Highlands County. He was a loyal friend and mentor to many, being well known as one to drop everything to help friends, neighbors and even strangers. He was known as a friendly kind hearted gentleman to all who met him.
The family will welcome friends in visitation from 10 to 11 AM at Groovers Funeral Home at Mansion Memorial Park, 1400 36th Ave E, Ellenton, FL 34222 immediately followed by the funeral service at 11 AM, at the funeral home on Thursday, August 16, 2018.
In lieu of flowers, the Family requests donations be made to Moffitt Cancer Center Foundation - PO Box 23827 - Tampa, FL 33623-3827 (donation forms can be completed online at https://give.moffitt.org) or to Good Shepard Hospice – 320 west Main Street – Lakeland, FL 33815 (http://www.chaptershealth.org).
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