Mathews, Carl L., 81, of Riverview, Florida, passed away Monday February 29, 2016, surrounded by his family and friends. He was born in Leesburg Florida, the youngest son of Ernest and Gladys (Greene) Mathews on August 9, 1934. Carl is survived by his loving wife of 37 years Carmen G. Mathews; three daughters, Christine Mathews, Angelia Payne, Natalie Mathews; two sons, Michael J. Mathews and William E. Mathews; two grandchildren, Jordan Payne and Mackayla Payne; numerous nieces and nephews and his much loved dogs. He proudly joined the U.S. Coast Guard right after high school and after being honorably discharged, he later graduated from Stetson University. He was a brilliant contractor, engineer and business man who started many businesses including Carl Mathews School of Construction and A-A OK Trailer and Container Rental, the first shipping container rental business in the area. He was also very involved in the world of politics, which led him to run for House of Representatives in 1992. For most of his life, gardening was a passion of his and he had an amazing ability to grow all kinds of rare trees. Carl was preceded in death by three sisters, Leona Hansen, Helen Cray, Margaret Eaton; one brother, Dr. Irving Mathews; and son-in-law, Dale Payne. The service will be held at Serenity Meadows Memorial Park, 6919 Providence Rd, Riverview (813-677-9494) Saturday, March 5 2016. The viewing will be from 2:30 - 4:00 pm with a service directly after. A special thank you goes to the hospital staff at Tampa General Hospital, the staff at LifePath Hospice, and the women that took care of and kept Carl laughing in his last days, his niece Melissa Guendel and caretaker, Ellie Anzueto Garcia. In lieu of flowers he requested donations made to Angels Unaware, Inc. http://www.angelsunaware.com/