Matthew Scott Haynes

Matthew (Matt) Scott Haynes, 31, of Orlando, Florida passed away much too soon on August 31, 2021. Matt was born in Columbia, South Carolina, where he graduated from Dutch Fork High School in 2008. Upon graduation, Matt returned to his former schools where he worked alongside children with disabilities to ensure no child would be left behind. In 2013, Matt won his family over and they relocated to Orlando, Florida, where Matt felt the weather was warmer and Disney was close. Upon coming to Orlando, Matt became an avid UCF fan and cheered them on through their highs and lows. Matt was born with DMD but beat all the odds and his family rallied behind him and supported his wishes to travel and do the things he loved. He was a lover of all animals- big and small- and a protector of our planet. He is greatly missed by all who had the opportunity to know him during his short but accomplished life.

Matt is survived by his parents, Richard and Angelia Godfrey Haynes, his brother Robert Haynes, his paternal grandmother Mary Gertrude Haynes, and the late Robert Haynes, and his maternal grandparents Lee And Judy Bright, and Roy and Joyce Godfrey, as well as his faithful dog, Duke. The family will receive friends at Woodlawn Funeral Home, 400 Woodlawn Cemetery Rd, Gotha, FL 34734 on Saturday, September 11 from 10:00 am - 10:30 am with a service beginning at 10:30 am.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Canine Assistants at 3160 Francis Road, Milton, GA 30004. This wonderful group changed Matt’s life by providing him with the gift of an assistant dog named Crockett, his golden retriever, that stayed by his side for 15 amazing years.