Carlton was born July 3, 1937, to John Wesley and Eva (Ward) Matthews, in Milton, Florida. Carlton was raised in the East Milton area that was always called "Skeeter Flats." He was baptized at East Side Baptist Church in East Milton. He was raised Baptist and Assembly Of God. He was the eighth of eleven children. Carlton worked at Escambia Chemical (now Air Products) from 1958 till 1969; then worked for W.L. Butler Electric Company for years. He got his Contractor License and became self-employed from 1975 until 1989, when he fell ill. He was a Master Carpenter, Wood Crafter, and Commercial Fisherman. He loved fishing, hunting, and building and refinishing things from wood by hand. He built some of the finest cast nets for fishing around this area, and he built boats. Carlton was the laughter of any situation or party. He was a big joker and loved to pick on people for a giggle. Carlton was a "Jack of all trades." He did whatever it took to feed and take care of his family. Carlton is preceded in death by his parents, John and Eva; his youngest daughter, Monette "Toots" Matthews; two sisters, Daisy Mae Smith and Ellener Thompson; and four brothers, Wesley Matthews, George Matthews, Millard Matthews, and Hollis Matthews. He is survived by his two daughters, Rebecca Ann (David) Bryant and Rachiel Sharron (Rickey) Phillips; one son, Carl Wesley Matthews; grandchildren, Eva Marie Bryant, Wesley M Henderson, Brandon A Henderson, Daniel N Bryant, David N Bryant, Robin Barrow, and John Ray Matthews; and lots of great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his sisters, Lonni Mea Bowen and Mona Land; brothers, Dewey Matthews and Larry Matthews. Graveside Services will be held at 2:00 p.m., Monday, May 18, 2015, at Hickory Hammock Cemetery. The family would like to thank all of Carlton's family and friends for their loving, caring ways and prayers. He so loved all of you. We also thank all of the doctors and nurses at West Florida Hospital and home health nurses, as well as, Hospice, for their help in his last days with us. A special thank you to Pastor Jim Liberacki, of East Side Baptist Church, for seeing us through this difficult time. "Safely Home" I am home in Heaven, dear ones; Oh, so happy and so bright! There is perfect joy and beauty In this everlasting light. All the pain and grief is over, Every restless tossing passed; I am now at peace forever, Safely home in Heaven at last. Did you wonder why I so calmly Trod the valley of the shade? Oh, but Jesus’ love illumined Every dark and fearful glade. And he came Himself to meet me In that way so hard to tread; And with Jesus’ arm to lean on, Could I have one doubt or dread? Then you must not grieve so sorely, For I love you dearly still; Try to look beyond earth’s shadow, Pray to trust our Father’s will. There is work still waiting for you, So you must not idly stand; Do it now, while life remaineth- You shall rest in Jesus’s land. When that work is all completed, He will gently call you Home; Oh, the rapture of that meeting, Oh, the joy to see you come!