Lieutenant Colonel A. Matt Ferris

Lt. Col. Albert Matthew Ferris, of Julington Creek, FL, passed away peacefully on January 21, 2018, with his family by his side. Matt was born and raised in Dallas, TX to Matthew and Ruth Ferris on February 17, 1941. He attended George Peabody Elementary School, LV Stockard Junior High and Sunset High School, all in Dallas. Colleges; North Texas State University in Denton, Texas and East Texas State University in Commerce, Texas. He was a member of Phi Epsilon Fraternity and served as Secretary and Chaplain.

Upon graduation from college, he entered the U.S. Air Force and duty stations were as follows: June 1966-July 1968-Bergstrom AFB, TX, August 1968-June 1969- Tan Son Nhut AB, Republic of Vietnam, July 1969-June 1970-Sacramento, CA, July 1970-May 1971-Wright-Patterson AFB, OH, June 1971-August1973-Andrews AFB, Maryland, September 1973-July1979-Los Angeles AFS, CA, August 1979-June 1984- Sunnyvale AFS, CA, July 1984-June 1987- Kaena Point STS, HI.

The following medals, citations and campaign ribbons were awarded for his service: Bronze Star Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, 3 oakleaf clusters, AF Commendation Medal,1 oakleaf cluster, AF Outstanding Unit Award, 1 oakleaf cluster, AF Organizational Excellence Award, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, AF Overseas Short Tour Ribbon, AF Overseas Long Tour Ribbon, AF Longevity Service Award Ribbon, 4 oakleaf clusters, Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon, AF Training Ribbon, and AF Training Ribbon.

Matt was a member of Crown Point Baptist Church and enjoyed working sound for the services. He participated in Bible Studies and enjoyed all the Sunday Class activities.

Matt’s interest included being a member of the Civil Air Patrol, rank of Lt. Colonel, served as Squadron Commander and Group Commander, as well as Advisor to the FLWG Commander. He was an avid water and snow skier and participated in many tournaments over the years. He attained the rank of third degree black belt in karate and was a great player. In later years, he, his sons, and grandchildren become involved in shooting and many happy times were spent at the range.

Matt was preceded in death by his parents and many aunts. He is survived by his loving wife Darlene, his children Lee and wife Ellen, Dawn and husband Stephen, and Matthew Michael Ferris, His nine precious grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren; his sister Larue and husband Charles, and their two daughters, Kim and Stephanie of who reside in Fort Worth, TX. Matt has many cousins, too many to list, living throughout the U.S.

A Memorial Service will be held at 2:00 pm on Saturday, February 17, 2018 in Crown Point Baptist Church 10153 Old St. Augustine Rd. Jacksonville, FL 32257