GENEVA, FL – Bill Mathews, 95, born in Norfolk, Virginia, passed away in Orlando, Florida, April 30, 2020.  

He is survived by his wife of 71 years, Barbara Heitman Mathews, now residing in Casselberry, FL; and their son, John William Mathews of Newport News, VA.

Bill joined the US Navy in 1942 when he was 17 years old and served from 1942-1947. His military records state he was in the American, European African, and Asiatic Pacific Theaters. He specifically spoke of his time on the mine sweeper USS YMS 55 and on the USS Damato.

After his Honorable Discharge, he worked for the government with C&G Survey, from which he retired in 1980 after 32 years of service. While with NOAA, he enjoyed traveling all over the world and lived in a variety of places from New England to Florida. He was appreciative of his family and many good friends.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents, John Thomas and Leona Murphy Mathews; son Donald Curtis Mathews; sisters, Virginia Pumo, Dorothy Rucker, Barbara Shay; and brother, John Richard Mathews. 

The burial will took place on Friday, May 8, at 2 PM at Meadowbrook Memorial Gardens, Suffolk, VA.  www.SturtevantFH.com