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Matthew DeForest Godwin

April 17, 1957 ~ February 13, 2026

Born in: Macon, Georgia
Resided in: Chiefland, Florida

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Matthew DeForest Godwin age 68 of Chiefland, Florida departed this life on February 13, 2026 from pancreatic cancer, being cared for by his wife and Haven Hospice of Chiefland.

Born in Macon, Georgia to Jean Kinnett Godwin and John Robert Godwin, the youngest of three siblings. Matt attended school at Sandford Naval Academy, Howey Academy, Seabreeze Junior Naval Academy and Senior High School in Ormond Beach. Matt had a special friend since 7th grade was Bobby (Bob) Martin. In 1981, Matt completed an auto mechanics course at Daytona Beach Community College and made friendships with Petro Mejia and Vince Ward among other fellow mechanics. 

Matt was very outgoing and made many friendships with area musicians including Alan Colvin, as music was his passion. It is love of music and creating it carried him through the years. He played drums since childhood, then guitar and bass. Matt had a great ear for sound and enjoyed providing it for various bands later in life.

Matt met his twin flame Donna Wood in 1976. They went on to marry in 1977 and then having a son, Matthew Jr. in August of that year in Macon, Georgia. 

Matt started a website, www.earlytelephones.com and enjoyed fixing old telephones to sell on E-Bay. He also started the website, “What’s happening in Daytona” and ran it for many years as a service to the community. Matt’s most recent online adventure was the YouTube channel, @gravelandgrub, a fishing and recipes excursion channel. 

Fishing was another one of Matt’s passions. He had a great fishing buddy in Silver Springs, Dale Rushing. They would go bass fishing nearby. Another special friend was James Connell, a true blue friend who would always lend a hand.

Matt was able to take unforgettable RV trips to the Northwest United States. He enjoyed all the wildlife and nature of the Colorado Rockies, Montana, South Dakota and New Mexico.

Matt and his family resided in Ormond Beach for 42 years. He always loved his dogs and had many special pets over the years.

Matt is survived by his wife Donna of Chiefland, Florida. His sister Karey Godwin, Alachua, Florida, two grandchildren, William and Erin Godwin of Central Florida, and one great grandson, Colton Frazer.

Preceded in death by son Matthew Jr., August 23, 2005, stillborn daughter Sarah, March 15, 1982, and older brother John, October 21, 1971.

Walking hand in hand with his wife making memories through the years. Matt loved making people laugh, always joking around.

Matt said, “he had a great time here with everybody and he loves you all.”

Crevasse’s Simple Cremation is honored to serve the Godwin family.

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  1. Godwin family, you are in my thoughts and prayers. A wonderful man who loved and lived life whole-heartedly. 🕊️

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  2. Matt is a dear friend who is sorely missed by so many friends. A wonderful musician and a great storyteller with an incredible sense of humor that lit up every room. A generous and genuine friend who never met a stranger. A compassionate person and a faithful family man to his gem of a wife, Donna. Every time we got together, it was a special time and a memorable gift. We love you both so much! Matt, we will join you on the other side someday my brother.

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  3. Matt was a gem. Someone we could completely relate to. We will miss him at all of our party’s and gatherings. RIP MATT

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  4. Rest In Peace Matt, I had no idea what you were dealing with. You were a funny and talented individual who brightened the room when you walked into it. I hope you are making beautiful music where you are.

    Love and Condolences from
    Bob & Lowela

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  6. Matt was so funny. He always had a good joke and loved to make people laugh. We exchanged a couple of hilarious gifs over the phone a week before his passing. Joking around til the bitter end. He will be missed, but never forgotten. RIP cousin. 🙏

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  7. Matt was a rare breed and a person that always allowed you to be yourself no matter the circumstances. He always made me feel so loved and valued when I would visit. He and Donna shared many laughs and beautiful moments with me over the years and I know he’s smiling at us from the beyond. I genuinely hope he knows how many people he made happy over his life and I appreciate always having a positive environment to escape to if I needed a visit. Sending peace and healing to you Donna, thank you for being a good life partner to him. You two were an inspiration. All my love.

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  8. Matt was one of a kind for sure. I always looked up to him for his knowledge of sound and his music ability.. Donna and Matt were always fun to be with and I loved jamming with them…God speed Matt, see you on the other side brother ..

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  10. I didn’t really know Matt well, but he and Donna have been around since my childhood… they represented to me, at a young age, what friendship in marriage looks like. Over many years, I’ve never heard either speak an unkind work about each other, and I saw the genuine love between them. Peace to your journey, Matt. Peace to you, Donna.

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  11. Matt and Donna where my mother’s “Susan” best friends throughout my childhood. Some of my best childhood memories were shared at the Godwin home in Ormond. Big Matt was like Peter Pan a child who grew up but always kept that Spirit of Youth. He always had the newest and coolest toys that even as a kid, and unable to drive or play with I thought were so radd! When people pass in our life we tend to forget what their voice sounds like or their laughter. But Matt being Larger than Life I can hear him giving me a witty response to something I had said and his laughter like he never left. And he never will leave he will always be with us because he made a mark on everybody he met, he lives on in all of us and our memories! we will never forget you big Matt! I love you Donna and I think of you often. May the Lord bring you peace in your quiet times and give you comfort in his grace.

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