Richard ("Dick") Ira Matthews (11/27/33 - 3/30/25) passed away on March 30, 2025, at the age of 91. Born in Grove City, Pennsylvania to Rollin L. "Beck" Matthews and Ethel Grine Matthews, his family moved to Tampa in the 1950's, where he graduated from the University of Tampa in 1955. Richard served two years in the U.S. Army from 1955 to 1957 then attended Northwestern University where he earned a Masters Degree in history, then attended the University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa to work on a Doctorate in history. Richard was one of the first history professors hied at Hillsborough Community College when it opened and was also an adjunct professor of history at the University of South Florida before his retirement. Richard was a long-time member at the First Baptist Church of Brandon.

Richard is predeceased by his wife Jacklyn (Jackie) Matthews and is survived by his son, Richard, Jr. "Boe" (Leslie) of Riverview, Florida, and his current wife, Earlene Matthews, of Ocala, Florida.

A graveside service will be held at Garden of Memories on 4207 E. Lake Avenue, Tampa, Florida at 11 am on April 8, 2025. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Wycliffe Ministries, or a charity of the donor's wishes.