Edsel "Eddie" Ford Matthews, Jr., age 73, of Pensacola, FL, passed away on Friday, April 14, 2023. Eddie was born on February 26, 1950, to the late Edsel Ford Matthews, Sr. and Frances Peters Matthews in Ozark, AL.

Eddie was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend. He leaves behind, to cherish his memory, his wife of 32 years, Kathleen Whibbs Matthews; his children, David (Kayla), Virginia (James), Eddie III (Summer); his beloved grandchildren, Savannah Pearl, Madison Kathleen and Vincent James; sister, Annice; brother Elea (Miranda); many nieces and nephews also survive.

He received his degree in Business Administration from Auburn University, Doctor of Jurisprudence in Admiralty Law from Cumberland School of Law, and master's in taxation from Emory University. Eddie practiced law for over 40 years. He was active in the Monkey Boat Fishing Tournament, the Pensacola Big Game Fishing Club, Fiesta of the Flags and the Order of Tristan. Eddie was a great supporter of Bill Bond baseball, St. Paul Catholic School and Pensacola Catholic High School sports teams. He especially treasured the time he spent helping to coach his son's baseball teams. Those times, with the teammates and their parents were priceless.

Eddie loved his Auburn Tigers and his golden retrievers, Aubie, Gauge and Trout. He was also an avid hunter and fisherman, he truly enjoyed fishing the beautiful Gulf waters aboard his boats, The Legal Limit and The Princess Kat. In the Fall he loved hunting the beautiful woods of Alabama with his sons and friends. Eddie's life was full of adventure and love. He will be deeply missed by his family and friends.

A visitation will be held 12:00pm until a Funeral Mass to begin at 1:00pm Saturday, April 29, 2023, at St. Paul Catholic Church.