James Matthew “Matt” Morton, Sr.
August 20, 1959 – January 14, 2025
James Matthew “Matt” Morton, Sr. was called home on January 14th, 2025, after sixty-five years of service in this life.
Matt was born in Cairo, GA on August 20th 1959, to the late Dr. William Joseph Morton and Alice Bell Morton.
A graduate of Cairo High School, Class of 1977, he was a Syrupmaker for life. After the State Championship Game in 1990, he was presented with the game ball which he treasured for thirty-three years before dedicating it back to the football program in 2023. He loved the Red and Black and relished the opportunity to both cheer for the Makers and boo at the refs on Friday nights under the lights.
His love of the Red and Black spilled into Saturdays as well when his “Gorgeous Bulldogs” would take the field and “How bout them Dawgs” was a staple in his vocabulary on Sunday mornings during the fall.
A self-proclaimed Desperado, he met his match when in 2008, he married Beth, a resident of Tyrone, GA where they worked hard for the next 15 years to be able to retire back to the Forgotten Coast. In 2023 they realized that dream and moved to Carrabelle, FL.
However, no matter where he was along his journey, his compass always pointed in the direction of Cairo as he always felt a sense of home visiting with old friends and telling stories of times past.
Matt felt most comfortable enjoying the abundance that nature has to offer. Whether it be in his garden, a deer stand, or trolling around out on the gulf looking for good bottom, God’s creation was his happy place and that is how he will be remembered and honored as his ashes will be delivered back to the sea in accordance with his wishes.
Matt Morton was the quintessential Patriarch; he never met a stranger, and man could he throw down in a kitchen. He will be sorely missed by so many.
Survivors include: Wife, Beth Stanley Morton of Carrabelle, FL; siblings, Cindy Morton of Dunedin, FL, Joe Morton (Darlene) of Murphy, NC and Martha Jenkins (David) of Alligator Point, FL; children, Jamie Morton of Thomasville, GA, Leslie Pyles (BJ) of Guyton, GA and Brandie Black (Ronnie) of Cairo, GA; grandchildren, Breyana Morton of Cairo, GA, Carlyn Morton of Dahlonega, GA, D.J. Pyles and Brody Pyles of Guyton, GA, Kenzie Morton of Thomasville, GA and Parker Black of Cairo, GA; nephew, Will Geib of Griffin, GA and niece, Mimi Grachek (Neil) of Kennesaw, GA. He is also survived by his favorite Aunt “D” of Mexico Beach, FL as well as a host of extended family and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Dr. William Joseph Morton and Alice Bell Morton.
