David Matthies: March 26, 1948 - March 15, 2026
It is with profound sadness that Southern Lock & Supply announces the passing of former owner and longtime President David Matthies on Sunday, March 15, at age 77 following a six-year battle with frontotemporal dementia.
He will be missed dearly by those who knew him. For those of you who didn't get to meet him or didn't know him long, he was one of the good guys.
He was a dedicated member of the Southern Lock team for over 59 years. What began as a warehouse position at age 16 evolved into an impactful career in the security hardware industry, culminating in over four decades of leadership as President of Southern Lock.
He captained Southern Lock into one of the largest regional distributors in our industry. In addition to serving as President of Southern Lock, he was a two-time president of the Security Hardware Distributor Association. He loved and served the industry as a welcoming ambassador for over half a century.
He was loved by employees, industry partners, customers, competitors, and strangers. He emphasized building relationships, and he practiced what he preached — always welcoming and quick to offer a handshake and a smile.
He was a master of the lost art of being silly — he was mischievous and loved practical jokes and fun surprises.
He was kind and loving and took care of people. He very rarely had a cross word for anyone (unless you cut him off in traffic!).
A certified sweet tooth, he loved desserts, chocolate, tiramisu, and most things sweet. He would often joke about having dessert first at dinner.
He loved travel and new adventures. He loved his church family and found great joy in singing in the choir.
He loved his family deeply — his wife Joann, his daughters Jenell and Julia, and his four grandchildren Anna, Marley, Landon, and Kate.
Dave will be remembered for a life given in quiet acts of goodness and love for his fellow man. Please join us in praying for peace and comfort for his family. May his journey into eternal glory be peaceful and swift.
Services will be held Saturday, March 28th at 11am at Lutheran Church of the Cross in St. Petersburg, FL. To read full obit and sign the guest book, click here to visit Legacy.com.