Willard Crofford Matthews

Willard C. Matthews, 86, of Bradenton, FL, passed away on September 26, 2017, while surrounded by his loved ones. He was born in Hartsfield, GA on April 14, 1931 and raised in Parrish, FL. He served in the US Air Force beginning on October 23, 1950 and was honorably discharged after 26 years of service to his country. Willard was a family man who found great joy in spending time with his daughter and grandsons.

He is survived by his daughter, Dr. Kathleen Hitchcock, son-in-law, Matthew Hitchcock, two grandsons Benjamin Hitchcock and Nicholas Willard Hitchcock all of Bradenton, FL; his step-children, Robert Freeman of Parker, CO and Duina Schloesser of Lakewood, CO; two sisters, Christine Streck of Orange City, FL and Mildred Hill of Arcadia, FL; and his brother, E.F. Matthews of Parrish, FL.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Ealem and Ollie Matthews, wife, Evilee Matthews, and five siblings, Wanza, Wilma (Whidden), Millard, Wilburn, and Willie Dean.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, October 11, 2017 from 5:00-7:00pm at the funeral home. Funeral services will be conducted in the Legacy Chapel on Thursday, October 12, 2017 at 10:00am at Palms-Robarts Funeral Home, 170 Honore Ave, Sarasota. A burial service including military honors will take place on Thursday, October 12, 2017 at 2:00pm at Sarasota National Cemetery, 9810 SR 72.

Fond memories and condolences for the family may be left at www.palmsrobartsfuneralhome.com.