He was a native of Andover, N.Y., who came to the area from Alfred, N.Y., in 1969. Throughout his life, he held several different jobs ranging from serving in the Navy to being on the line in a factory and even barbering in Alfred, N.Y. He was also a residential contractor in Alfred. With his son at his side, he built many homes, duplexes and even an apartment complex in Alfred that now bears the Matison name in his honor. He continued as a builder after relocating his family to Auburndale in 1969. He retired in 1980.

He volunteered his time and skills to Habitat for Humanity and was foreman and nearing completion of the Lopez home in Auburndale when he became ill. He was a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Auburndale, past president of the Alfred, N.Y., Lions Club and also joined the local membership upon moving to Florida.

Always unselfishly willing to serve others, he participated in the annual Easter egg hunts and Christmas toy drives, involving his family with coloring and hiding hundreds of eggs and cleaning and repairing numerous donated items to make the holidays happier for needy children.

He is survived by his wife, Betty Eckenrode Matison of Auburndale; a son, Mickey Matison of Winter Haven; two daughters, Lynda (John) Hally of Avon, N.Y., and Molly Bailey of Lake Alfred; a sister, Lois Ferron of Rochester, N.Y.; four grandchildren, Amanda and Hope Matison and Lynda Baumer and Nolen Bailey; and a great-grandson, Timothy Baumer.

He was preceded in death by a daughter, Meggi Dee Matison; and great-granddaughter, Katie Baumer.