Charles Harris Matthews Sr.

..."there was not a finer man and gentleman than Charlie Matthews. He will be missed by all who knew him."
Bill Anderson (ret 1995)

Born Feb 9, 1932 to William Emmet and Christine Smith Matthews, he graduated from Miami High School in 1951, where he played on the 1950 State Championship Football team. In 1952 he joined the City of Miami Fire Department. Charlie was a member of the first group of paramedics in America. His unit pioneered pre- hospital mobile emergency care. When he retired in 1982, after 30 years of service, paramedics were a fixture nationwide. In 1964 Charlie founded Underwater Unlimited, the second dive shop in Miami. Begun as an educational training center with classes offered at Miami Dade College, it assisted police and fire departments in developing underwater recovery techniques. With over 20,000 students certified, Underwater Unlimited continues to serve as a leader in the dive industry today. Charlie was active in many community groups including the Coral Gables Kiwanis Club. He served on the Board of the Coral Gables Congregational Church where he is affectionately referred to as "the Sheriff" for his ability to keep meetings moving. His association with Miami High has continued with active involvement in the alumni association and a lifelong friendship with other members of the state championship team. An avid outdoorsman, Charlie loved to fish, dive, hunt and fly. He was deeply interested in history and dedicated to serving his country and community. Above all, he was dearly loved and committed to his family and friends. His strength, courage and honesty were an inspiration to all who knew him.