Matthew David Thomas

Matthew David Thomas, age 50, of Jacksonville, FL passed away after a courageous war with cancer surrounded by his loving family on August 1, 2026. He was born on January 16, 1976, in Jacksonville, Florida.

Matt graduated from University Christian School in 1994 where he was a two-way lineman on the football team and played catcher on the baseball team that qualified for the State Final Four in back-to-back seasons. He began his career at FedEx where he worked for twenty years and finished his almost nine-year career as a Senior Strategic Account Executive for RF-Smart, where he had the privilege of working for several years with his twin brother, Jeremy. Matt loved working for RF-Smart for so many reasons, but the friendships he built with both his co-workers and customers meant the most to him.

Matt married his high school sweetheart, Leanne Thomas on August 1, 1998, after dating for six years. The couple were inseparable for thirty-four years and celebrated their 28th wedding anniversary the same day Matt went to be with Jesus. He was an amazing husband and loved Leanne well. His two sons, Caleb and Luke, were also his whole world. He set the example for them both to be Godly men and loved every minute of coaching them in football their entire lives. He was the best Dad and would do anything in the world for them.

Matt was a Christ follower, an ordained deacon and invested his time teaching young married couples, college and career and the youth group at Arlington Baptist Church for fourteen years. He then attended Southpoint Community Church for ten years, and in the last four years had been attending the Church of 1122.

He enjoyed golfing, fishing, and boating with friends and family. Matt was a die-hard Florida State Seminole fan and New York Mets fan. Taking trips with his family to the lake, the mountains, the Keys and the 23-hour trip to see the Mets play in New York were some of his best memories.

Matt was a part of the University Christian School Coaching Staff for the last 14 years and investing in those young men’s lives was his passion. He truly cared for each player and wanted to see them succeed.

Matt made such a huge impact on so many people in his short 50 years of life on this earth. He loved Jesus and loved people well and above all, loved his family fiercely.

Matt is survived by his wife of 28 years, Leanne Thomas; sons, Caleb and Luke Thomas; father, Bobby Thomas (Jan); mother, Suzanne Galione (Richard); mother-in-law, Tanya Land (Tony) and a host of family and friends who loved him dearly.

He is preceded in death by his twin brother, Jeremy Thomas; paternal grandparents, Curtis and Irene Thomas; maternal grandparents, Micky and Joyce Vandermolen.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Sunday, August 9, 2026, at 1:00 pm at University Church, 5520 University Boulevard West, Jacksonville, FL 32216. Visitation will be held on Saturday, August 8, 2026, from 5:00-7:00 pm at University Church, 5520 University Boulevard West, Jacksonville, FL 32216. Graveside Service will follow at Riverside Memorial Park, 7242 Normandy Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32205.

Please join the Family for a Reception at University Church following the Committal Service

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the UC Football Program in memory of Coach Matt.