William J. Bill Matson, Iii

William J. “Bill” Matson, III, of Wakefield, RI, 77, passed away on Wednesday, September 5, 2012, at South County Hospital, after 18 years of living with Parkinson’s disease, an illness he steadfastly refused to let govern him. He was the cherished husband of 53 years, and soul mate, of Sandra J. (Grammer) Matson. Born in Wakefield, RI, he was the son of the late William J., Jr. and Helen (McGann) Matson. Bill was owner and greenhouse manager of the family’s business, Kenyon Avenue Floral Co., Inc. in Wakefield. Besides his wife, Bill was the proud father of William J. Matson IV and his wife Belinda, and adoring grandfather of William J. Matson V and Brian “Jake” Matson, of Wakefield. He also leaves his loving sister Linda (Matson) Barrows and her husband Donald of Wakefield, and three nephews. Bill was happiest spending time with his wife, son and family; with his Kenyon Avenue Floral and River’s Edge Cafe families; remembering old times with his many lifelong friends; and working tirelessly in his greenhouses and summer vegetable garden. He will be remembered for conducting, and vowing to never miss, morning breakfast symposiums at River’s Edge Café in Wakefield, and Jackie’s in Narragansett. Stock car racing was a lifetime passion of Bill’s, and he was always ready to share stories of the countless escapades he, Sandra and Will enjoyed for many years with their extended racing family as they travelled from Maine to Florida, and every race track in between. He was most proud of the years he spent working with his son on their race team. Bill’s comforting ways, dry wit, and relentless determination to live life in the fast lane will be missed by all. As Bill wished, a celebration of his life will be held on Saturday, September 15, 2012 at 2:00 p.m. at Laurel Lane Country Club, 309 Laurel Lane, West Kingston, RI. Burial will be private. For online condolences, please visit www.averystortifuneralhome.com. Memorial donations may be made to Kyle Petty’s Victory Junction Gang Camp, either online at www.victoryjunction.org, or by mail to 4500 Adam’s Way, Randleman, NC 27317.