Obituary of Merle Mattair

MATTAIR, MERLE E. Belleview - Merle E. Mattair, 88, passed away on Monday, Nov. 9, 2009 at Life Care Center of Ocala. He was a native Floridian, born on a fifth generation family farm near Williston. After high school, he worked for the Boston Cotton Co. as a broker and sampler throughout the southeast. Just before he was to be drafted, he enlisted in the Navy and entered the Naval Air Pilot Program. He served as a Navy pilot during WWII. After the war, he relocated to Lady Lake and owned and operated a General Store for many years. He moved to Ocklawaha years later and owned and operated Mattair Hardware until they moved the highway to go from Belleview to Lady Lake and cut off Ocklawaha and Weirsdale. After that he went on the road as a salesman of heavy equipment and traveled extensively. After his retirement, he was married to his loving wife of 22 years, Wilma Snook who survives him. He is also survived by three loving step children, Denise, Doug and David, two biological children, Ima and Mims Mattair and a brother Reed Mattair of Williston. He was a 60 year member of the Belleview Masonic Lodge, member of B.P.O.E. and the Ocklawaha United Methodist Church. A memorial service will be held on Monday, Nov. 16, 2009 at 6:00 P.M. at Hiers-Baxley Funeral Services, 910 E. Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala with Marion-Dunn Lodge No. 19, F&AM officiating. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to his favorite charity, the Florida Sheriff's Youth Ranches, 386-842-5501.