Bennie Franklin (Simeon) Matthews, 101, of Hawthorne, passed from this life on Tuesday,
November 29, 2022 at the Hampton Manor Assisted Living Facility in Ocala. A native of Searcy,
Arkansas, he resided in Putnam County since 1984 moving there from Pompano Beach where
he lived for 28 years. Bennie served honorably in the U.S. Navy during World War II. He
worked as a heavy equipment operator for many years. Bennie also enjoyed farming and
tending to his cows, goats and chickens. He was a member of Bethel Assembly of God in
Interlachen.
He was preceded in death by his wife of 65 years, Helen Matthews, a son, Jimmy Matthews,
a daughter, Sandra “Sandy” Lee Brown Spikes, a grandson, Michael Morrison and
granddaughter, Danette Pecararo as well as his siblings, Levi Matthews, Elmer Matthews,
Fannie Rogers, Bernice Clark and his half-siblings, Dorothy, Frank and Gilbert.
Bennie is survived by his children, Brenda Kulikowski, Marie Morrison, Vera Frances
Pecararo, his step-children, David C. Myers (Mary) and Diana Myers Spence (Dave),
grandchildren, Brenda Williams, Toni Ferfaro and Keith Pecararo, 9 great-grandchildren and 4
great-great-grandchildren.
Services celebrating Bennie’s life will be at 4:00 P.M. Monday, December 5, 2022 at Bethel
Assembly of God in Interlachen with Pastor Mike McColley and Charles Sweeney officiating.
The family will receive friends Monday from 3:00 P.M. until the time of services at 4:00 P.M.
Graveside services with military honors will be at 11:30 A.M. Tuesday at the Florida National
Cemetery in Bushnell.
Memories and condolences may be expressed to the family at Bennie’s Book of Memories
page at www.johnsonoverturffunerals.com.
Arrangements are entrusted to Johnson-Overturf Funeral Home in Palatka.